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Would Menopause Cause High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage and other serious health issues. After menopause, women are more likely to develop high blood pressure than younger women. Physical changes at menopause appear to increase the risk of high blood pressure.

  1. Age Considerations

    • Young men are more likely than young women to develop high blood pressure, according to the Mayo Clinic. However, menopausal women are more likely than men of the same age to develop this condition.

    Hormonal Effects

    • Hormonal changes can result in a tendency to gain weight and more sensitivity to salt. Both of these effects can lead to increased blood pressure.

    Additional Risk Factors

    • A study published in the Jan. 10, 2006, issue of Maturitas determined additional high blood pressure risk factors for post-menopausal women. They include low education levels, low physical activity levels and being overweight.

    Estrogen

    • Maturitas published a study in its Feb. 20, 2004, issue indicating that increases in blood pressure after menopause are related to estrogen insufficiency.

    Recommendations

    • The Mayo Clinic recommends behavior changes for post-menopausal women to prevent high blood pressure. These include eating a heart-healthy diet, performing daily physical activity, limiting alcohol intake and not smoking.

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