Blood pressure is a measure of the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries. It is expressed in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg), with the top number (systolic pressure) representing the pressure when the heart beats, and the bottom number (diastolic pressure) representing the pressure when the heart rests between beats.
What is the ideal blood pressure for women?
The ideal blood pressure for women is 120/80 mm Hg. This is the same target blood pressure for men and women under the age of 65. For women over the age of 65, the target blood pressure is 130/80 mm Hg.
Why is 120/80 the ideal blood pressure?
120/80 mm Hg is the blood pressure that has been shown to be associated with the lowest risk of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems.
What are the risks of high blood pressure?
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a major risk factor for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. In women, high blood pressure is also a risk factor for preeclampsia, a serious pregnancy complication.
What are the symptoms of high blood pressure?
Most people with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. However, some people may experience:
- Headaches
- Blurred vision
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
How can I lower my blood pressure?
There are a number of things you can do to lower your blood pressure, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Getting regular exercise
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking
- Taking medication
If you have high blood pressure, it is important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your blood pressure and make sure it is under control.
Table 1: Ideal Blood Pressure for Women by Age
| Age | Systolic Pressure (mm Hg) | Diastolic Pressure (mm Hg) |
|---|---|---|
| < 65 | 120 | 80 |
| 65 or older | 130 | 80 |
Table 2: Risks of High Blood Pressure in Women
| Condition | Risk |
|---|---|
| Heart disease | 2-3 times higher |
| Stroke | 3-4 times higher |
| Preeclampsia | 10 times higher |
Table 3: Symptoms of High Blood Pressure
| Symptom | Prevalence |
|---|---|
| Headaches | 50% |
| Blurred vision | 25% |
| Chest pain | 10% |
| Shortness of breath | 5% |
| Fatigue | 5% |
| Dizziness | 5% |
| Nausea | 2% |
| Vomiting | 1% |
Table 4: Tips for Lowering Blood Pressure
| Tip | How it Helps |
|---|---|
| Eat a healthy diet | Lowers blood pressure by reducing sodium intake and increasing potassium intake |
| Get regular exercise | Lowers blood pressure by strengthening the heart and improving blood flow |
| Maintain a healthy weight | Lowers blood pressure by reducing the amount of pressure on the heart and arteries |
| Limit alcohol intake | Lowers blood pressure by relaxing the blood vessels |
| Quit smoking | Lowers blood pressure by reducing inflammation and improving blood flow |
| Take medication | Can lower blood pressure by blocking certain hormones or relaxing the blood vessels |
