High blood pressure is one of the major causes of heart diseases and heart attack in people. In scientific terms, blood pressure can be defined as the pressure exerted by blood on the walls of the arteries. Sometimes, due to certain reasons, blood pressure increases drastically, which can be an alarming condition. The condition is known as high blood pressure or hypertension. Hypertension is a cause of many life-threatening conditions. Therefore, it is essential to maintain normal blood pressure. Causes of High Blood Pressure in Women There is a lot of misconception in several parts of the world that only men and older women suffer from hypertension. On the contrary, this condition can be experienced even by younger women, and they too are at a high risk of suffering from disorders related to it. Systolic blood pressure 140 and above, and diastolic blood pressure 90 and above is termed as high blood pressure. Birth Control Pills Use of birth control pills and other drugs leads to hypertension in young women. Frequent use of birth control pills, legal and illegal drugs, frequent use of medications like ibuprofen, can lead to water retention and thinning of arteries, which increases the blood pressure. Pregnancy Pregnancy is also one of the topmost causes for high blood pressure. Women with pre-existing hypertension, or those suffering from kidney diseases or diabetes experience rise in the blood pressure during pregnancy. Secondly, obese pregnant women and those undergoing pregnancy after 40 years of age are at a higher risk of suffering from it. Obesity Having a diet high in fats and cholesterol leads to obesity and increased blood pressure. The excess cholesterol in the body gets deposited in the arteries, which narrows them resulting in high blood pressure. Following is a list of some other reasons that also contribute in hypertension:

• Stress
• Smoking
• Alcoholism
• High sodium intake
• Diabetes
• Kidney diseases
• Old age
• Physical inactivity

Preventing High Blood Pressure Most of the causes of high blood pressure can be managed to reverse or prevent the condition. For e.g., one can quit smoking and alcoholism. Secondly, it is essential to get rid of obesity, reduce the intake of salty and fatty food, and maintain a healthy weight. Thirdly, those suffering from other diseases like diabetes or kidney diseases should get the condition treated, or take medications regularly, in order to prevent blood pressure from rising. Women should avoid drugs and consult a doctor before going for any birth control pills. You should also look for relaxation techniques to reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Lastly, pregnant women suffering from high blood pressure should inform the doctor about it, so that the doctor can monitor the changes in blood pressure. If you have been prescribed medications for lowering blood pressure, you should take them regularly. Remember that heart diseases and several other conditions can be prevented by controlling high blood pressure and maintaining it at the normal level. Take care! Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical professional.