Hypertension in Women 

Women in Los Angeles are hardly immune from hypertension. High blood pressure, or hypertension, is usually defined as a blood pressure of greater than 140 systolic (when the heart is contracting) or greater than 90 diastolic (when the heart is relaxing). Elevated blood pressure, or hypertension, in women is a risk factor for conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure. However, when the blood pressure in women is controlled, the risk for these diseases can be dramatically decreased.

As a female in Los Angeles , the chances of having hypertension go up substantially with age. Less than 1 in 100 women aged 18–44 years had hypertension in 2005– 2006, compared to nearly 1 in 5 woman aged 45-64 years old, and then between the aged 65–74 years more than 1 in 3 women had high blood pressure, and finally for women aged 75 years and older nearly half of them have elevated blood pressure.

Many women with hypertension in Los Angeles go undiagnosed. In addition, many patients with high blood pressure are not properly treated and allowed to have unacceptable levels of blood pressure. The proper diagnosis and treatment of high blood pressure is critical since elevated blood pressure has many medical consequences.

A common question that many women in Los Angeles with high blood pressure ask is: Do I have to take medications if I have high blood pressure. If you have high blood pressure, there are options to treat your blood pressure before needing to go on medication. Blood pressure can be reduced with lifestyle modifications. These lifestyle modifications can have a significant impact:

• Lose weight

Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. Losing weight also makes any blood pressure medications you're taking more effective. is greater than 32 inches (80 cm).

• Exercise regularly

Regular physical activity — at least 30 to 60 minutes most days of the week — can lower your blood pressure. Increasing your exercise level can lower your blood pressure within just a few weeks.

• Eat a healthy diet

Eating a diet that is rich in whole grains, fruits, vegetables and low-fat dairy products and skimps on saturated fat and cholesterol can lower your blood pressure. This eating plan is known as the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet.

• Reduce sodium in your diet

Even a small reduction in the sodium in your diet can reduce blood pressure

• Avoid tobacco products and secondhand smoke

On top of all the other dangers of smoking, the nicotine in tobacco products can raise your blood pressure by 10 mm Hg or more for up to an hour after you smoke

Read more about Dr. Matzer's cardiology services for Los Angeles

Read more about Dr. Matzer's women's heart program serving Los Angeles