What is the normal blood pressure for women? Men and women have the same ideal blood pressure, which is at 120/80. However, the normal blood pressure for women will also vary depending on which stage of their life cycle they may be in. Your knowledge and understanding on what these differences are is vital in ensuring that you can maintain optimum health at every stage of your life cycle.
Before proceeding, it is important to establish the ground of the term “normal” in this context. It will depend on natural conditions under which a woman is currently in. You can read further below for more information on the normal or ideal blood pressure rate for women across various phases in life:
Normal Blood Pressure For Women
After Menopause: The normal blood pressure for women changes once she reaches menopausal stage in her life. According to health studies, women experience an increase in blood pressure by up to 5mmHg. This comes as a result of the body experiencing a decrease in estrogen and progesterone levels. On the other hand, women who are at their pre-menopausal stage tend to have a low blood pressure, especially when compared to that of men as their natural hormones serve to protect against the sources of stress in everyday life.
There are also studies that prove there is a link between high blood pressure and salt sensitivity.
During Pregnancy: A rare condition exists in women whenever they carry their first child, particularly when they reach 20th week of pregnancy. This condition that is popularly known as preeclampsia is characterized by an increase in blood pressure rate that can go up to 140/90 or higher.
The definite cause behind this increase in blood pressure cannot be explained by doctors; however, they have identified a few risk factors that would indicate why one woman can develop more than another. These factors include having your first pregnancy, having a new partner, genetic (either your sister or mother had experienced it before), expecting a twin, age-related risk (women aged 35 or more are at a higher risk), and history of high blood pressure and other related health conditions.
All pregnant women are therefore advised to regularly have their blood pressure rate checked up. In fact, it is part of the normal procedure nowadays for pre-natal check up to conduct screening for preeclampsia. Expect your doctor to ask you questions relating to any or all of the risks factors stated above. In addition, pregnant women are also advised not to be over-anxious about certain things as it can add to the risk factor. Worrying can cause your blood pressure to shoot up.
Normal Blood Pressure For Women
During Menstrual Cycle/Period: This particular condition is highly controversial, especially since there are not enough tests to prove that there is actually a link between menstrual cycle and an increase in blood pressure in women. Some controlled tests have proven that it can actually be a factor, albeit the fact that the increase is very minimal at some point.
The normal blood pressure for women during menstruation will largely vary. Some would experience an increase before the actual start of the cycle, while others will experience an increase during the actual cycle.
So, you need to take care of your blood pressure as you already know the Normal Blood Pressure For Women.
