Home > About High Blood Pressure > Gender Makes a Difference

High Blood Pressure Affects Men and Women Differently

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a condition that impacts both men and women, but there are some real differences between the sexes in terms of how they are affected. Blood pressure control is important for all. Lowering blood pressure makes it easier for the heart to pump blood to the body.1

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Women and high blood pressure

See how many of the following facts about women and high blood pressure you were already aware of:

  • If you are a woman over 55, you are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Risk increases with age.1
  • From 55 years of age and up, a higher percentage of women have high blood pressure than men.2
  • Blood pressure may be controlled by following these simple steps:3
    • Refrain from overeating
    • Exercise at regular intervals
    • Reduce salt in the diet
    • Limit alcohol intake
    • Take high blood pressure medicine as prescribed by your physician
  • High blood pressure is two to three times more common in women taking oral contraceptives, especially in obese and older women, than in women not taking them.4 If you are currently taking oral contraceptives or hormone replacement therapy, make sure you speak to your physician about the safety profile and the various options available.

Men and high blood pressure

How many of these facts about men and high blood pressure did you know?

  • If you are a man over 45, you are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure. Risk increases with age.1
  • Men are at increased risk for high blood pressure as compared to women until the age of 45.2
  • Alcohol is known to raise blood pressure.5 Alcohol also adds calories and makes it harder to lose weight.
  • Blood pressure may be controlled by following these simple steps:3
    • Refrain from overeating
    • Exercise at regular intervals
    • Reduce salt in the diet
    • Limit alcohol intake
    • Take high blood pressure medicine as prescribed by your physician

Important Note: Consult your doctor before starting an exercise program.

Next: take the High Blood Pressure Quiz

References

1. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Who Is At Risk for High Blood Pressure? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/
HBP_WhoIsAtRisk.html. Accessed August 11, 2008.

2. American Heart Association. Statistical Fact Sheet — Disease/Risk Factors. 2008 Update. Available at: http://www.americanheart.org/downloadable
/heart/1199892787721FS14HBP08.pdf. Accessed August 11, 2008.

3. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. What Is High Blood Pressure? Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/dci/Diseases/Hbp/HBP_All.html. Accessed August 11, 2008.

4. The Seventh Report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Bethesda, MD: National Institutes of Health: National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute; National High Blood Pressure Education Program; August 2004. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/hypertension/jnc7full.pdf. Accessed August 11, 2008.

5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. Protect Your Heart: Prevent High Blood Pressure. Available at: http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/other/chdblack/protect1.htm. Accessed August 11, 2008.


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