Hot Flashes and Blood Pressure, what’s the connection?

Is there a significant connection between Hot Flashes and Blood Pressure ?

It is common for Blood Pressure to spike up after a menopausal episode,  and experts believe that it is due to the change in hormonal levels that cause this sudden surge to rise up along with Body Mass Index commonly known as BMI taking the blame.

During menopause, hormonal shifts may contribute to weight gain and increased sensitivity of blood pressure to dietary salt intake. Consequently, blood pressure levels may rise. Additionally, certain hormone therapy treatments for menopause could potentially level up this effect, leading to elevated blood pressure. Understanding these hormonal dynamics is essential for managing menopausal symptoms and promoting overall cardiovascular health.  Hot flushes menopause treatment

There’s an interesting finding that was unveiled through research which says “A study investigating the potential link between hot flashes and hypertension revealed that women experiencing frequent hot flashes tended to have significantly elevated systolic blood pressure compared to the average”.

The correlation was notable enough that researchers could predict rises in systolic numbers based on the frequency of hot flashes. Systolic blood pressure refers to the “top” number in a blood pressure reading, indicating the pressure in arteries during heart contractions. This finding sheds light on the potential impact of hot flashes on cardiovascular health.

In a separate study, researchers investigated the use of blood pressure medications that inhibit hormones to alleviate hot flashes in breast cancer patients. The findings showed a substantial decrease in hot flash frequency, ranging from 40 to 80 percent. However, participants expressed concerns about potential side effects associated with using blood pressure drugs for hot flash relief. Further research is needed to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of this approach in managing hot flashes during breast cancer treatment. Menopause hot flashes

Is this really about stress ?

Do these studies suggest that Hot Flashes ultimately lead to higher Blood Pressure ? 

Technically No!

Numerous factors can contribute to elevated systolic blood pressure, but a compelling theory suggests a parallel with hot flashes: both may stem from heightened central sympathetic nerve activity which aligns with the activation of the fight-or-flight response by this part of the nervous system during stress.

Consequently, perimenopausal and menopausal women, often experiencing chronic stress, may observe natural consequences in the form of hot flashes and increased blood pressure. These interconnected issues potentially share a common origin, highlighting the importance of stress management in addressing menopausal symptoms and cardiovascular health.

Here’s another aspect to ponder, both hot flashes and high blood pressure can lead to facial flushing. However, facial flushing can be triggered by numerous other factors that unequivocally raise blood pressure, including exposure to high temperatures, hot water, alcohol consumption, physical activity, and, once more, stress. This suggests that women might attribute their hot flashes to high blood pressure, when in reality, the blood pressure increase may be caused by other simultaneous events occurring alongside the hot flash.

While hot flashes may be unpleasant, they don’t heighten your risk for disease. However, the situation changes when it comes to blood pressure, especially after menopause. Elevated blood pressure raises your susceptibility to cardiovascular issues. To maintain a healthy heart and prevent high blood pressure, focus on adopting a balanced diet, reducing alcohol intake, minimising salt consumption, and engaging in regular aerobic exercise. These lifestyle choices play a crucial role in safeguarding your cardiovascular health as you navigate through menopause and beyond.