High blood pressure is more common and more severe in African-American women than it is in white women. Using birth control pills can contribute to high blood pressure in some women. While all women can and should take steps to prevent or control high blood pressure, it is especially important for women who have heart disease to do so. When blood pressure is lowered, the heart does not work as hard. Women who have had a heart attack are less likely to have another if they reduce their high blood pressure.
Blood pressure is the amount of force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries.
Everyone has to have some blood pressure, so that blood can get to the body's organs and muscles. Depending on your activities, blood pressure may rise or fall in the course of a day. Also, both numbers are important to your health. This too, if not controlled, increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. That means it is important to have it checked regularly.