Women suffering from hot flashes have higher systolic blood pressure than those who do not- regardless of their menopausal status, according to a study by Cornell University.

154 women ages 18-65 wore blood pressure monitors for 24 hours. All of the women either had normal or slightly elevated blood pressure and one third of them reported experiencing hot flashes in the past 2 weeks. The women who reported hot flashes had a mean systolic awake blood pressure of 141 compared to 132 for women not reporting hot flashes, and 129 vs 119 relatively for sleeping systolic blood pressure. These differences were still significant even after taking into consideration variables such as age, weight, and race.

The exact nature of the relationship between hot flashes and high blood pressure is still not fully understood and further research has been recommended.

Sources:

Gerber, Linda M. PhD 1,2; Sievert, Lynnette Leidy PhD 3; Warren, Katherine BA 1,2; Pickering, Thomas G. MD, DPhil 4; Schwartz, Joseph E. PhD 2,5. “Hot flashes are associated with increased ambulatory systolic blood pressure”. Menopause. 14(2):308-315, March/April 2007. Retrieved October 21, 2008 from http://www.menopausejournal.com/pt/re/menopause/abstract.00042192-200714020-00020.htm;jsessionid=L2MRvGQ8wqTxynGQKygWRG74gMsMjn5RWQ25mw8WZHjLWrhL9SZm!-1375129934!181195629!8091!-1

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