Experts say older women often dismiss high blood pressure as part of menopausal symptoms. European experts warn that this could increase a woman’s heart trouble risk.
A consensus document by ESC, the European Society of Cardiology, published in the European Heart Journal, includes that warning and recommendations on how doctors can help middle-aged women prevent future heart problems.
“Physicians should intensify the detection of hypertension in middle-aged women,” according to the document. Women often blame menopause for symptoms such as hot flashes and palpitations, which are common in women who develop high blood pressure before age 60.
