High blood pressure can develop in anyone regardless of race, age or gender. The most dangerous characteristic of high blood pressure is the fact that it does not carry warning signs or symptoms. Blood pressure should be monitored regularly by a healthcare provider. High blood pressure increases the chances for getting heart disease, kidney disease or having a stroke.

Aside from its direct link to heart disease, which is the number one cause of death among women, it is a source of concern for many other health related issues. A woman who is already suffering from high blood pressure may experience complications during pregnancy. The use of oral contraceptives can lead to small increases in blood pressure.

While 75 percent of women with high blood pressure know they have it, fewer than one in three are controlling it. Aside from high blood pressure medications a number of lifestyle changes can be made to reduce blood pressure or prevent its occurrence among women without high blood pressure. These lifestyle changes include eating healthy diet, reducing the salt and sodium quantities in your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, limiting alcohol intake, and smoking cessation.

Information taken from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI)

Sample Legislation

Passed 2007 MS S.C.R. 565 Designating Friday, February 2nd 2007 “National Wear Red Day” in Mississippi to encourage awareness in women about their risk of heart disease. Mississippi Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 565

Resources

Facts on Heart Disease

Types of Blood Pressure Medications

Women In Government High Blood Pressure Fact Sheet

High Blood Pressure A Call to Action Policy Report

Women In Government Reducing the Burden of Heart Disease Fact Sheet

Women In Government Cost Effectiveness of Prevention Fact Sheet

Diabetes

Health Disparities

Heart Disease