High Blood Pressure Education Month – The Silent Risk
High blood pressure doesn’t always come with symptoms. It doesn’t always cause headaches, dizziness, or visible warning signs. But it quietly places strain on your heart, blood vessels, and organs, raising the risk of heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and more. That’s why hypertension is often called a “silent killer.”
For women, this silent risk is even more dangerous. High blood pressure in women is frequently underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underestimated, especially in midlife. At Ms.Medicine, we’re committed to changing that by providing education, personalized screening, and proactive care through our Cardiovascular Risk Assessment.
During High Blood Pressure Education Month, we want every woman to understand her numbers, recognize her risk, and feel empowered to take control of her health.
Why Hypertension Matters—Especially for Women
According to the CDC, nearly half of adults in the U.S. have high blood pressure, and many don’t know it. While hypertension affects both men and women, the impact on women’s long-term health is uniquely concerning.
Here’s why:
After menopause, women are more likely than men to develop high blood pressure due to hormonal shifts that affect vascular health.
Women’s blood pressure may rise during pregnancy or as part of perimenopausal transitions, and may remain elevated or worsen over time.
Certain conditions more common in women, such as preeclampsia, PCOS, or autoimmune disease, can increase the risk of developing hypertension later in life.
Women may present with atypical symptoms or attribute early warning signs to stress, fatigue, or anxiety, delaying diagnosis and care.
Left untreated, high blood pressure becomes a major heart risk factor. It increases the chance of heart attack, stroke, heart failure, dementia, and vision loss. It can damage arteries throughout the body and silently reduce quality of life for years before showing outward signs.
Hypertension Warning Signs Aren’t Always Obvious
Most people with high blood pressure feel completely normal. That’s part of the danger. You can’t rely on symptoms alone to detect it.
When symptoms do appear, they may include:
Headaches (especially in the morning)
Blurred vision
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain or shortness of breath
Fatigue or confusion
Nosebleeds (in more severe or prolonged cases)
For many women, especially those in their 40s, 50s, and 60s, these signs may be dismissed as hormonal changes or stress-related side effects. That’s why routine monitoring and screening are essential, even if you feel fine.
What Causes High Blood Pressure?
There’s no single cause of hypertension, but several contributing factors increase risk. These include:
Family history of high blood pressure or cardiovascular disease
Smoking or exposure to secondhand smoke
Poor diet, especially diets high in sodium and low in potassium
Lack of physical activity
Chronic stress or poor sleep
Excess weight or obesity
Obstructive sleep apnea
Endocrine disorders such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and hyperparathyroidism
Chronic conditions such as diabetes or kidney disease
For women, reproductive health history is also important. Preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and early menopause can all increase the likelihood of developing high blood pressure later in life.
The Role of the Ms.Medicine Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
Many women assume their annual physical or routine labs will catch everything, but that’s not always the case. High blood pressure and heart disease often develop gradually. At Ms.Medicine, we offer a comprehensive Cardiovascular Risk Assessment designed specifically for women to identify early risks and empower prevention.
This personalized tool goes beyond a basic blood pressure reading. It includes:
Measurement and evaluation of your blood pressure, cholesterol, and BMI
Use of the ASCVD Risk Calculator to estimate 10-year and 30-year heart risk
Review of reproductive and hormonal factors that may influence cardiovascular health
Assessment of lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, exercise, and diet
Screening recommendations based on your individual profile, including whether a Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) scan is appropriate
If your risk is elevated or borderline, you and your provider can create a personalized plan that may include lifestyle changes, medication, additional testing, or referrals to cardiology.
Taking Steps to Lower Blood Pressure and Reduce Risk
High blood pressure can’t always be prevented, but it can be managed—and even reversed—when caught early. Whether your numbers are slightly elevated or you’ve already been diagnosed, there are key steps that can make a powerful difference:
1. Monitor your blood pressure regularly
Whether in the clinic or at home, keeping an eye on your numbers helps track progress and catch changes early. Ideal blood pressure is typically under 120/80 mmHg.
2. Move your body consistently
Even 30 minutes of brisk walking five days a week can lower blood pressure, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
3. Focus on heart-healthy nutrition
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins—and low in sodium, added sugar, and processed foods—supports both heart and hormonal health.
4. Manage stress proactively
Chronic stress can drive up cortisol and raise blood pressure. Mindful breathing, yoga, therapy, or even creative hobbies can help regulate your stress response.
5. Limit alcohol and quit smoking
Both habits increase blood pressure and long-term heart risk. Reducing or eliminating them can have immediate health benefits.
6. Know your hormonal history
If you’ve experienced pregnancy complications, early menopause, or hormone therapy, talk with your provider about how these factors influence your cardiovascular risk.
Your Health, Your Numbers, Your Future
Blood pressure is more than just a number on a chart. It’s a signal of how your heart and your whole body are functioning. When monitored and managed early, it can be a gateway to better health, longer life, and more energy for the things you love.
At Ms.Medicine, we believe that women’s health is heart health. Our team understands how the symptoms, risks, and prevention strategies for cardiovascular disease look different in women. Through tools like our Cardiovascular Risk Assessment, we’re closing the gender gap in heart care and giving women the knowledge and support they need to thrive.
This High Blood Pressure Education Month, take the first step. Schedule your Cardiovascular Risk Assessment today and find out where you stand, so you can make empowered choices for your heart, your health, and your future.
