Sex differences in the prevalence, outcomes and management of hypertension

Connelly, P. J. , Currie, G. and Delles, C. (2022) Sex differences in the prevalence, outcomes and management of hypertension. Current Hypertension Reports, 24(6), pp. 185-192. (doi: 10.1007/s11906-022-01183-8) (PMID:35254589) (PMCID:PMC9239955)

Abstract

Purpose of Review: To review recent data on sex differences in the prevalence, outcomes and management of hypertension. Recent Findings: Although hypertension is overall more common in males, females experience a much sharper incline in blood pressure from the third decade of life and consequently the prevalence of hypertension accelerates comparatively with age. Mechanisms responsible for these blood pressure trajectories may include the sustained vascular influence of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, interactions between the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system and sex hormones or even psychosocial gendered factors such as socioeconomic deprivation. Moreover, the impact of hypertension is not uniform and females are at higher risk of developing a multitude of adverse cardiovascular outcomes at lower blood pressure thresholds. Summary: Blood pressure is a sexually dimorphic trait and although significant differences exist in the prevalence, pathophysiology and outcomes of hypertension in males and females, limited data exist to support sex-specific blood pressure targets.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Delles, Professor Christian and Currie, Dr Gemma and Connelly, Dr Paul
• Authors: Connelly, P. J., Currie, G., and Delles, C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: Current Hypertension Reports
• Publisher: Springer
• ISSN: 1522-6417
• ISSN (Online): 1534-3111
• Published Online: 07 March 2022
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in Current Hypertension Reports 24(6): 185-192
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License

Project Code	Award No	Project Name	Principal Investigator	Funder's Name	Funder Ref	Lead Dept
303944		BHF Centre of Excellence	Colin Berry	British Heart Foundation (BHF)	RE/18/6/34217	CAMS - Cardiovascular Science