Menopause and hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Aug 17 2009
Q: I have experienced occasional sleep disorders (due I believe to menopause). When I am sleep deprived, my blood pressure registers 150/100. This is high, but when I am not sleep deprived, it’s fine. What measures can I take to address this temporary increase in my blood pressure? I am interested specifically in lifestyle modifications as opposed to medication.
A: Around menopause is typically when women develop high blood pressure. You should be evaluated by your doctor. Because many women gain weight during the change, eating a healthy diet and exercising regularly is especially important. You might want to try using the RESPeRATE. It is clinically proven to lower blood pressure and many users report that regular use improves sleep.
Tags: eating a healthy diet, high blood pressure, hypertension, insomnia, lifestyle modifications, lower blood pressure, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, RESPeRATE, Sleep & Sleep Apnea, Sleep disordersHigh blood pressure postpartum
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jul 06 2009
Q: My BP elevated a couple weeks before delivering my baby. It has been a month after having my baby and my BP has remained elevated. Can you possibly tell me why my BP is still elevated? What can I do to lower it?
A: Blood pressure sometimes elevates with pregnancy. It does not always return to normal after delivery. Even if it does, the risk of developing high blood pressure later in life is increased. You need to see your doctor for appropriate treatment advice. If you gained a lot of weight with your pregnancy, it is possible your pressure will get back in control with exercise and weight loss.
Tags: Blood Pressure & Hypertension, high blood pressure, hypertension, postpartum, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause, weight lossPregnancy and high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: Could you kindly give me some medical advice about pregnancy and high blood pressure?
A: Women with hypertension can have normal babies. Closer monitoring during the pregnancy is required to ensure the health of both the mother and the infant. A good article on the subject can be found on emedicine.
Tags: high blood pressure, hypertension, pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseHypertension at perimenopause
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: I always had low blood pressure (110/70) readings until I reached perimenopause. I was on Loestrin for 9 years. My high bp fluctuated during this time. My blood pressure now is at 130 over 90. I have been off the Rx for a year and wonder if my readings will go down. I am 57, 130lbs 5′2″ and have no other health problems.
A: It is unlikely your blood pressure will go down by itself. It is more likely that it will continue to increase. Regular cardiovascular exercise and a diet rich in fresh fruits and vegetables will help lower blood pressure, even in people with a normal weight. Use of the RESPeRATE may also be appropriate. Talk to your doctor.
Tags: blood pressure, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, bp, hypertension, lower blood pressure, menopause, Pregnancy & Menopause, RESPeRATEHormones and blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 17 2009
Q: Is there any such thing as hormonal hypertension? I am perimenopausal, and last year I was told that I had high blood pressure. I started monitoring it daily as well as incorporating the DASH diet and exercise and the doctor said that I would not have to take any meds. But I’ve noticed that a few weeks before my cycle, my pressure seems elevated.
A: Female hormones are a factor in high blood pressure. It has been known for years that birth control pills can cause high blood pressure During perimenopause, hormone levels change and many women experience symptoms such as weight gain and hot flashes. Both weight gain and hot flashes have been associated with an increase in blood pressure.
Tags: birth control, birth control pills, Blood Pressure & Hypertension, female hormones, high blood pressure, hormone levels change, hot flashes, hypertension, Pregnancy & Menopause, weight gainPregnancy-induced hypertension
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jun 03 2009
Q: I was diagnosed with high blood pressure after the birth of my third child who is now 6 yrs.old. Is it possible to stop taking blood pressure medication once your pressure is regulated?
A: Hypertension that starts with pregnancy doesn’t always go away after the child is born. You need to discuss with your doctor if attempting to taper your medication would be appropriate. Maintaining a normal weight and having a healthy lifestyle will help. Even if you are able to stop medicine now, keep in mind that pregnancy related hypertension is a risk factor for increased blood pressure later in life.
Tags: blood pressure medication, healthy lifestyle, high blood pressure, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause, pregnancy induced hypertensionPregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Feb 10 2009
Q: I am expecting my second baby in May 2009 and I have a daughter that is now 3 yrs old. I had pre-eclampsia with her pregnancy. With this pregnancy, my blood pressure has been 130 /80 but I’m worried. What can I do to help avoid pre-eclampsia this time?
A: Good prenatal care is extremely important in this situation. You doctor will want to monitor you very carefully and may recommend certain medications based on how you are doing. You might want to ask your doctor if you are a candidate for an antiplatelet agent.
Tags: antiplatelet agent, blood pressure, good prenatal care, medications, pre eclampsia, pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseNormal blood pressure in pregnancy
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 11 2009
Q: What is the normal range of blood pressure for pregnant women?
A: The normal range for blood pressure does not change with pregnancy. Readings of less than 120/80 are considered normal. For a good discussion of high blood pressure and pregnancy, click here.
Tags: pregnancy, Pregnancy & MenopauseRenitec does not control my high blood pressure
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 02 2009
Q: I’m 34 years old and have had high blood pressure since I was pregnant with my only child. Since then I’m on medication, currently renitec 10mg, but sometimes my blood pressure is not in control. Some people say that I can’t get pregnant because of the medication I’m taking. Can you help me?
A: Renitec is an ACE inhibitor. This class of medication is not recommended in pregnancy because of the potential for birth defects. There are medications to lower blood pressure that are considered safe with pregnancy. You should advise your obstetrician that you want to get pregnant and have your medication changed and blood pressure in control prior to attempting to conceive.
Tags: Pregnancy & Menopause, Renitec, uncontroledLisinopril affect the menstrual cycle?
Written by: Dr. Rowena | Posted: Jan 01 2008
Q: Does Lisinopril affect the menstrual cycle? I have been spotting for over 3 weeks after my period was due.
A: Lisinopril should not cause you to spot. Since you have missed a period, pregnancy is a possibility unless you aren’t sexually active. I suggest you see your doctor for an evaluation.
Tags: Lisinopril, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, Pregnancy & Menopause
