Women Health and Environment

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women and high blood pressure is a significant risk factor. Most physicians treat high blood pressure with drugs, such as diuretics that decrease body water or beta-blockers that reduce the work of the heart. Both have side effects. Researchers have had some success with alternative treatments, such as exercise, diet, and breathing exercises.

Israeli scientists found that practicing breathing exercises reduced blood pressure in patients diagnosed with the disease. They found the greatest reductions in blood pressure in older people who had the highest blood pressure.

High blood pressure is sometimes called the silent killer because the disease often has no symptoms. Lifestyle modification can help reduce high blood pressure but this not something you should attempt on your own. See your physician for an integrated program that can protect you from the effects of this dangerous disease.