Hypertension in Women

Unique risks and management strategies.

- Dr. Priya Palimkar

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent chronic health conditions worldwide. Although it affects both men and women, the biological, hormonal, and life-stage-related factors specific to women create unique risks that demand tailored management strategies.

Understanding The Gender-Specific Risks

Women’s risk for hypertension evolves across their lifespan. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), the natural cardiovascular protection offered by estrogen during the reproductive years begins to diminish with menopause, leading to a sharp increase in hypertension rates. By the age of 65, over 60% of women are affected by high blood pressure.

Pregnancy introduces additional risk factors. Complications such as preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, and eclampsia not only threaten maternal and fatal health during pregnancy but also increase the long-term risk of developing chronic hypertension and cardiovascular disease. A 2023 study published in