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Utama > Hypertension > Menopause

Menopause

Introduction

After menopause, more women develop hypertension compared to their male counterpart. Also, the older the age after menopause, the higher the chance a woman has of developing hypertension. At the age of 60, about 8 out 10 women have hypertension. Hence, there is also an increase in the complications attributed to hypertension, for instance; stroke, heart failure and kidney disease.

Hypertension in menopausal women is unique. Many menopausal women have isolated systolic hypertension, (the upper blood pressure reading is high but the lower blood pressure reading is normal). However, the risks, complications and treatments are the same. Another unique phenomenon is that hypertension is labile in menopausal women. This means that the blood pressure is sometimes high and sometimes low.

 1Figure 1: Complications of untreated Hypertension

Why Do You Get Hypertension After Menopause?

Before menopause, women have a lower risk for developing hypertension compared to men. This is because natural female hormones in the body protect women. However, this protection disappears once a woman attains menopause. At menopause, many changes occur in a woman. The levels of female hormones will be depleted, her arteries become stiffer and she will tend to gain weight. These reasons make it easier for the woman to develop Hypertension.

Other factors add on to these risks, for instance;

  • Your immediate family members have hypertension.
  • You are on Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT).
  • You are obese.
  • You have an inactive lifestyle.
  • You consume alcohol excessively.
  • You had hypertension during previous pregnancies.
  • You have other pre existing diseases like diabetes, kidney disease and connective tissue diseases.

 8Figure 2: Causes of Hypertension after Menopause

Detect Your Hypertension As Early As Possible

Don’t wait until menopause! All women should start going for regular blood pressure checks once they reach the age of 30. For women who have the stated risk factors, earlier checks are advised. It is advisable to choose a trusted doctor and follow up with the same doctor. Annual blood pressure checks are valuable because:

  • Hypertension is a silent disease. You may not have symptoms even though your blood pressure is high.
  • You would be aware of your first and annual changes in blood pressure.
  • Your doctor would have a record of your changing blood pressure.
  • A change in blood pressure would alert you and your doctor that you may be developing hypertension.

Treat Your Hypertension As Soon As Possible

Remember, hypertension is a treatable disease. Once diagnosed, hypertension must be treated. When hypertension is well controlled, the complications associated with it are also reduced. With the help of your doctor, the method of controlling your hypertension can be discussed and followed through. You can ensure that your blood pressure is maintained at an optimum level by practicing the following:

  1. Adequate lifestyle changes.
  2. Adequate medications at appropriate doses.
  3. Adequate follow up sessions with a trusted doctor
  4. Adequate monitoring of your blood pressure at home
  1. No Short Cuts – Simple but Long Lasting

Start simple lifestyle changes and maintain it with discipline. Simple lifestyle changes are; starting an exercise routine like walking, reducing added salts in your diet and relaxation therapy. The DASH (Dietary Approaches to stop Hypertension) diet is ideal for women with hypertension.

 7Figure 4: The DASH diet

 2Figure 3: Brisk walking

  1. Medications Only Disturb Temporarily, It’s the Disease that Kills:

The starting of antihypertensive medication may be a stressful decision. As hypertension is a chronic disease, you may need your medication for life. As such, discuss with your doctor regarding how soon you need to start medications. The chosen medication should control your blood pressure without side effects. There may be need to start more than one type of medication to control your blood pressure well.

  1. Your Doc is your Best Friend

By choosing a regular doctor, you will have proper appointments for monitoring your blood pressure as well as other blood tests. You will be more comfortable with a doctor who is known to you and your family. Every medical decision can be made after a friendly discussion.

3Figure 5: The same doctor at appointments

  1. Blood Pressure At Home is the Way To Go!

You may not be able to see your doctor very often due to other responsibilities. By measuring your blood pressure at home, you will have a record to show your doctor during appointments. This will aid the doctor in helping you make decisions regarding your treatment. After consulting with your doctor, invest in a reliable digital home blood pressure machine.

 45

Figures 6 and 7: Some recommended home Blood Pressure sets

References

  1. Figure 1: http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypertension/complications.html
  2. Figure 3: http://sportfitnhealth.blogspot.com
  3. Figure 4: http://www.malaysianheart.org/file_dir/17923407034fb9da250be00.pdf
  4. Figure 5: http://www.caregivercollege.org/scoa/images/Blood-audio_html_3d42d0ed.jpg
  5. Figure 6: http://trade.indiamart.com/details.mp?offer=4249151955
  6. Figure 7: http://www.kowloonsport.com/NewFiles/healthtest.html
  7. Malaysian CPG – Prevention of Cardiovascular disease in Women (1st Edition), 2008
  8. Malaysian CPG – Management Of Hypertension (3rd Edition), 2008
  9. Matthias B, Matthias RM. Postmenopausal Hypertension: Mechanisms and Therapy. Hypertension. 2009;54:11-18
Last Reviewed : 2 March 2016
Writer : Dr. Sheela Bai a/p Pannir Selvam
Translator : Dr. Sheela Bai a/p Pannir Selvam
Accreditor : Dr. Ainol Shareha Binti Sahar

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