The silent strain: Why women must NEVER ignore hypertension symptoms

New Delhi: Hypertension or high blood pressure is often called the “silent killer,” and for good reason. What makes it even more dangerous is how easily women overlook it. Symptoms are fewer, and in many cases, nonexistent. Most women attribute them to daily stress or hormonal changes, never suspecting that their heart may be under chronic strain. Dr. Sanjay Bhat, Sr. Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, spoke about how this blind spot can become a severe cause of concern in the future.

A Gendered Blind Spot

Historically, hypertension has been viewed as a “man’s disease.” Health campaigns, research, and even clinical screenings have largely focused on men. As a result, women, especially younger and pre-menopausal women, have been underdiagnosed and underserved in hypertension care. However, reality tells a different story. After menopause, a woman’s risk of developing high blood pressure increases significantly. Hormonal shifts, particularly the decline in estrogen, strip away the natural protection women enjoy in their younger years. But the threat starts even earlier.

Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension during pregnancy are not just temporary complications; but they are early indicators of long-term cardiovascular risk. Unfortunately, many women are never made aware of this connection and don’t receive proper follow-up care.

Why It’s Easy to Miss

High blood pressure doesn’t usually make a dramatic entrance. It slips in quietly, often disguised as tension headaches, fatigue, or mood swings. Women, conditioned to power through discomfort and place others’ needs before their own, often dismiss these warning signs. Even when women do experience more severe symptoms like palpitations or chest discomfort, they can differ from those seen in men and are often taken less seriously, both by healthcare providers and by women themselves.

The Numbers Don’t Lie

Globally, 1 in 3 adults has hypertension. In India, studies indicate that nearly 20% of adult women are living with high blood pressure, but a significant portion of them are unaware of it. That lack of awareness is perhaps the greatest danger. Hypertension can lead to heart attacks, strokes, kidney failure, and other serious complications if left unmanaged. But the good news is that it is both preventable and treatable if detected early.

What Women Can Do

The first step is prioritising personal health. That, in itself, can be a powerful shift. Here’s how women can take control:

Monitor blood pressure regularly: Annual screenings are a must, and more often if there are risk factors like family history, obesity, or previous pregnancy complications.
Recognise the signs: Persistent fatigue, vision changes, and frequent headaches may signal more than just everyday stress.
Adopt a heart-healthy lifestyle: A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low in sodium, coupled with regular physical activity, can make a significant difference.
Manage stress proactively: Mindfulness practices, adequate sleep, and support systems play a crucial role.
Stay informed and proactive: If there is a history of gestational issues or early menopause, speak with a healthcare provider about long-term cardiovascular risks.

Rewriting the Narrative

The fight against hypertension is not only about medical intervention, but it’s about shifting the narrative around women’s health. It’s about challenging the cultural norm that places women’s well-being second to everything else. Silence doesn’t mean harmless. It’s time women started listening more closely to their bodies, to the data, and to one another. Because awareness, action, and advocacy can turn the tide. And no woman should wait for a collapse to realize her heart needs attention.