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Hypertension in women

Phyllis August1

  • 1Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY, USA. paugust@med.cornell.edu

Advances in Chronic Kidney Disease
|August 28, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension affects 1 billion adults globally. While men have higher blood pressure, women experience uncontrolled hypertension more often, yet treatment approaches remain similar for both genders.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiology
  • Public Health
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Hypertension impacts 1 in 4 adults globally, representing 1 billion individuals.
  • It is a primary cause of mortality and morbidity.
  • While men generally have higher blood pressure, older women exhibit a higher prevalence and less controlled hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the global prevalence and characteristics of hypertension in adults.
  • To highlight gender-specific aspects of hypertension, including unique conditions in women.
  • To evaluate current hypertension management strategies regarding gender differences.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of global hypertension prevalence data.
  • Analysis of epidemiological studies on hypertension in men and women.
  • Examination of literature on gender-specific hypertension etiologies and treatment outcomes.

Main Results:

  • Hypertension affects approximately 1 billion adults worldwide.
  • Older women show a higher prevalence and less controlled hypertension compared to men.
  • Specific conditions like pregnancy-related hypertension, polycystic ovary syndrome, and fibromuscular dysplasia are more prevalent in women.

Conclusions:

  • Hypertension management should prioritize blood pressure reduction and cardiovascular risk factor treatment.
  • Current evidence does not support gender-specific strategies for blood pressure lowering or cardiovascular risk modification.
  • Further research may be needed to explore potential nuances in hypertension management between genders.

Keywords:
EstrogenHormone replacementHypertensionOral contraceptive pillsWomen

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