Blood moves throughout your body through your circulatory system, a network of veins, arteries, and blood vessels that travel throughout your body and return to your heart. Blood pressure is what makes this possible, and it’s made possible by your heart pumping blood up to 100 times a minute, all day, every day.
When your blood pressure is consistently higher than your body can control, you have high blood pressure, or hypertension.
Both men and women can experience symptoms such as fatigue, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, nosebleeds, or vision problems. However, in women, high blood pressure can manifest in very unique ways, sometimes easily confused with symptoms of other conditions.
What are the typical signs of high blood pressure in women?
Here are four subtle signs that are typical in women:
1. Red spots in front of the eyes
Many women, especially those in middle age and older, may begin to notice red spots appearing in their vision, as if there are small blood spots floating in front of their eyes. This is the result of small blood vessels in the eyes bursting due to prolonged high blood pressure.
This symptom is easily confused with eye strain, age-related vision changes, but it can actually be an early sign of retinal damage caused by high blood pressure. If left undetected and uncontrolled, this condition can lead to blindness or macular degeneration.
2. Changes in urination frequency
Women may experience changes in the frequency or amount of urine they pass each day when high blood pressure begins to affect their kidney function. In some cases, they may urinate more or less frequently, accompanied by mild discomfort in the lower abdomen or lower back.
This is a common sign in pregnant women, where high blood pressure can progress to preeclampsia, a dangerous condition that threatens both mother and baby. Outside of pregnancy, a decrease in estrogen in postmenopausal women, or the use of certain hormonal contraceptives, can also increase the risk of high blood pressure and affect the urinary system.
3. Nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting are not only typical symptoms of morning sickness, but can also be a sign of high blood pressure during pregnancy, especially from the second trimester onwards. When accompanied by swelling, rapid weight gain, headaches and changes in vision, this can be a sign of preeclampsia, a serious complication that requires immediate medical intervention.
In non-pregnant women, vague nausea, especially when accompanied by dizziness or headaches, can also be a sign of a sudden increase in blood pressure, affecting the vestibular region of the brain.
4. Skin changes
One of the less-mentioned but quite typical manifestations in women with high blood pressure is abnormal changes in the skin. The skin may become unusually red on the face, neck, or chest, especially when the body is resting, not exercising vigorously. This is the result of blood vessels dilating in response to increased blood pressure.
In addition, edema under the skin, especially in the limbs and around the eyes, is a sign that the heart or kidneys are being affected, these are two organs directly affected by high blood pressure. Women may notice this change in the morning or after a long day of work.
Healthy eating tips for healthy blood pressure
Women should prioritize the following food groups:
- Fatty fish rich in omega-3: such as salmon, mackerel, sardines. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation, improve vascular elasticity and stabilize blood pressure. Eating fish 2–3 times a week will help maintain this benefit long-term.
- Flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts: contain a lot of alpha-linolenic acid, a form of plant omega-3. Flaxseeds can be ground and added to smoothies, yogurt, salads for easier absorption.
- Dark green vegetables: such as spinach, kale, broccoli, contain many antioxidants, vitamins C, E, and flavonoids that help fight inflammation.
- Berries: such as blueberries, strawberries, raspberries. These are rich sources of polyphenols, support anti-inflammatory and regulate blood vessels.
- Extra virgin olive oil: should be used instead of regular frying oil. Olive oil contains oleocanthal, a compound that has anti-inflammatory effects equivalent to the mild pain reliever ibuprofen.
