A new study shows some man-made chemicals used in everyday products are putting middle-aged women at risk of high blood pressure.
The study published in an American Heart Association journal this month followed more than 1,000 women where researchers analyzed levels of perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances in the body. Often called the “forever chemicals” because most do not break down and remain in the soil, water and air.
At the start of the study, none of the 1058 women had blood pressure issues. At the end of the study, 18 years later, researchers found that women with the highest concentrations of PFAS in their systems had a 71% increased risk of developing high blood pressure.
PFAS has been used in the United States since the 1950s for things like non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics, carpets, firefighting foam, and other things that repel grease, water and oil.
The chemicals are nearly everywhere, so 7News Health Reporter Victoria Sanchez spoke with a cardiologist about what women can do.
“There’s no way to completely avoid it but there are some measures we can take. So, for example, it’s in fast food packaging. So, when you go buy fast food, maybe getting it out of that packaging as quickly as you can. Not keeping it in there in the fridge, warming it up in other things. So, simple things we can do like that. Your water. Drinking filtered water. We don’t know how much of that gets filtered, but as much as we can. That can decrease your risk,” explained Dr. Ruth Tamrat, a cardiologist with Kaiser Permanente Mid Atlantic.
The information can seem overwhelming but Dr. Tamrat said women should use this as a reason to do the simple things to improve heart health. Take the stairs instead of the elevator, cut back on the junk food and exercise.