Females withpolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)are at higher risk of hypertension.

Risk Factors

There are many risk factors for high blood pressure.

These include:

Measuring Blood Pressure

Blood pressure is measured by using ablood pressure cuff.

Woman getting her blood pressure taken

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A trained healthcare provider will use a stethoscope to listen for your blood pressure readings.

An electronic gadget can also be usedat hometo monitor blood pressure.

Diagnosing Hypertension

Your blood pressure is defined as normal or high.

Prevention

Preventing high blood pressure starts with living a healthy lifestyle.

Eat Less Salt

Most Americans eat way more sodium than whats recommended.

The DASH diet recommends 4 to 5 servings each day of both fruits and vegetables.

These foods provide a good source of fiber, and they contain magnesium and potassium to lower blood pressure.

A higher intake may benefit people at high risk for cardiovascular disease.

Diuretics

Diuretics cause your body to excrete excess salt and water, helping to lower blood pressure.

Spironolactone, for example, is a potassium-sparing diuretic commonly prescribed for people with PCOS.

Another common pop in of diuretic used to treat hypertension includes thiazide diuretics, such as hydrochlorothiazide.

Beta Blockers

Beta-blockers work by blocking the adrenaline hormone epinephrine to reduce your blood pressure.

They also slow your heart rate.

Some calcium channel blockers also lower the heart rate.

American Heart Association.The facts about high blood pressure.

American Heart Association.Know your risk factors for high blood pressure.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Measure your blood pressure.

MedlinePlus.How to prevent high blood pressure.

American Heart Association.How to manage high blood pressure.

American Heart Association.Get the scoop on sodium and salt.

2022;11(11):e025071.

doi:10.1161/JAHA.121.025071

American Heart Association.Types of blood pressure medications.