This enables the measuring accuracy of the blood pressure watch to be increased by more than 70 per cent. Clinical trials of the device are currently under way. The first measurements have already been taken in parallel with a catheter procedure - with very promising results.
After menopause, a woman's risk of high blood pressure and other cardiovascular diseases increases greatly; the risk increases significantly faster for women after hysterectomy, perhaps because the uterus produces chemicals that help regulate blood pressure.
Essential hypertension (primary, cause unknown) accounts for the majority of cases, particularly in the older patient. Secondary hypertension is commonly caused by renal disease, endocrine conditions or pregnancy : Renal disease is the most common cause of secondary hypertension .