High blood pressure: is high blood pressure different for women than for men? a comprehensive guide

Doctors said on Wednesday that although there are no definite gender-specific differences in the risk of high blood pressure, women face unique considerations due to hormonal changes and pregnancy-related factors.

World Hypertension Day is observed every year on 17 May. This year’s theme is ‘Measure your blood pressure accurately, control it and live longer’.

According to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC), one in three women globally has high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. Elevated blood pressure has been named the most important risk factor for death among women worldwide.

Despite its importance, hypertension is more often underdiagnosed and not, or inadequately, treated in women than in men. While high blood pressure is more prevalent in men under the age of 50, high blood pressure for women is more common after menopause.

“Hormonal fluctuations, especially during menopause, can affect a woman’s blood pressure,” says Dr. Sumit Agarwal. Associate Director and Head of Unit II-Internal Medicine, Sarvodaya Hospital, Faridabad, told IANS.

This may be because “women who benefit from the protective effects of estrogen, who are more susceptible to high blood pressure, feel it rising earlier and progressing faster.”

In addition, menopausal women may experience weight gain and metabolic changes, which increase their risk of developing high blood pressure.

Dr. Tilak Suvarna, Senior Interventional Cardiologist, Asian Heart, “Overall, there are no definite gender-specific differences in the risk of hypertension. There is pregnancy-induced hypertension and oral contraceptive-induced hypertension specific to women, for which Specific appropriate preventive steps are required.” Institute, Mumbai told IANS.

Pregnancy poses specific challenges in the management of hypertension for women.

Conditions such as gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia can arise during pregnancy, affecting both the mother and the unborn child.

Dr Ajay Kaul, Chairman, Cardiac Sciences, Fortis Hospital Noida, said: “The incidence of hypertension in men is very high and is around 33 per cent in India. However, women below the age of 45, i.e. pre-menopausal, are safe. And the incidence is only somewhere between 11 to 15 percent. But after menopause the incidence becomes almost equal to that of men.

Doctors also said that sometimes the incidence of high blood pressure is higher in post-menopausal women. This is a serious problem and is usually neglected in female patients.

“We have to be more careful in evaluating blood records of patients after the age of 40-45, men have to be very careful because they have a higher incidence throughout life. But after the age of 45 the incidence in women increases rapidly. Which is a serious problem,” Kaul told IANS.

He added that apart from hormonal changes, it is also caused by other factors like obesity, which is common after menopause.

Doctors said the key to managing high blood pressure in women is the same as in men. Regular exercise, a balanced diet, stress management techniques and adequate sleep contribute to overall heart health.

Engaging in appropriate physical activities for each stage of life, making heart-healthy dietary choices, and exploring relaxation techniques can help women manage high blood pressure effectively.