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High Blood Pressure

Also called: Hypertension

- Summary
- About high blood pressure
- Signs and symptoms
- Diagnosis methods
- Treatment options
- Lifestyle considerations
- Women's issues
- Questions for your doctor

Reviewed By:
Kerry Prewitt, M.D., FACC
Abdou Elhendy, MD, PhD, FACC, FAHA
Stephen J. Gulotta, M.D., FACC, FCCP, FACP

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Women’s issues with high blood pressure

Once thought of as a male disease, high blood pressure affects an equal number of women and men, according to the American Heart Association. Until age 55, more men than women have high blood pressure. However, after menopause, which typically occurs around age 50, women begin to experience a rise in blood pressure. Researchers believe this may be due to the loss of sex hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, but the exact mechanism that causes this is unclear. By age 74, more women than men have high blood pressure. As with men, high blood pressure in women usually develops without symptoms, and, though treatable, generally has no cure. All women are encouraged to learn about their risks for high blood pressure and what can be done to prevent it.

Below are some facts about women and high blood pressure:

One in three cases of heart failure in women results from high blood pressure.
Blood pressure tends to get higher as women age. More than half of women over age 50 suffer from high blood pressure.
High blood pressure is two to three times more common in women taking birth control pills than those not taking them, especially among women who are overweight or obese.
Women who have had a heart attack are less likely to experience a second one if they lower their blood pressure.
High blood pressure is more prevalent among black women than in the general female population.
During pregnancy, some women develop high blood pressure for the first time. Known as gestational hypertension, this has been shown to increase the risk of developing high blood pressure and stroke later on in life. Others who already have the condition see it worsen during pregnancy. High blood pressure is also connected to a condition called preeclampsia, which is related to high blood pressure and protein in the mother’s urine. It is the second leading cause of maternal death in the United States.
Sexual dysfunction in women may be linked to high blood pressure. Female patients are encouraged to discuss any sexual difficulties with their physicians.