Doctors are urging women to pay attention to their blood pressure and take steps to keep it in check.Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for serious conditions like heart attack and stroke.
Now, experts have said it is the most deadly risk factor in women worldwide.Cardiologists from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) have highlighted heart disease risk increase with blood pressure in women in comparison to men.
Not only is it important to be aware of blood pressure readings, women who neglect this aspect of health risk suffering from a particular type of heart failure that has limited treatment options, according to Professor Angela Maas.The director of the Women’s Cardiac Health Programme, Radboud University Medical Centre, the Netherlands, told PA: “My message to all women is to take your blood pressure seriously, know your values [blood pressure readings] and convince your doctor that if it is too high then you need treatment."Don’t underestimate the long-term effects of high blood pressure.”Maas added that one of the biggest consequences of hypertension in female is a type of heart failure that "stiffens" heart muscles.
Resulting symptoms including fatigue, fluid retention and shortness of breath later in life - and prevention is vital as there are “few treatments” available.High blood pressure is also associated with dementia and recognised globally as the most important risk factor for death in women.
Read more on dailyrecord.co.uk