Elevated Blood Pressure in Females: Recognizing Signs, Potential Hazards, and Remedies
In the latter stages of life, the differences between males and females in terms of high blood pressure (hypertension) symptoms and risk factors begin to diminish, but underlying distinctions remain due to hormonal, vascular, and possibly autonomic factors.
Before the age of 45 to 50, men generally have a higher systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a higher prevalence of hypertension than women. However, after the age of 50, particularly post-menopause, the prevalence of hypertension in women rises substantially and becomes similar to that of men [1][3]. This increase is linked to hormonal changes like estrogen depletion, which affects vascular function and increases SBP in women from around their third decade, accelerating after menopause [1][3].
After age 50, systolic blood pressure becomes a more critical indicator of cardiovascular risk in both sexes due to arterial stiffening and plaque buildup that accompany aging [4]. While men initially have higher SBP, the postmenopausal rise in women leads to convergence in average blood pressure levels later in life [1][3].
The elevated risk factors for cardiovascular diseases differ somewhat between sexes. For instance, males with certain dementia types (early onset Alzheimer’s) showed stronger associations with peripheral vascular disease, while females with late onset Alzheimer’s had different hypertension profiles, suggesting sex-specific vascular risk patterns [2]. Hormonal influences also modulate risk, with menopause potentially increasing hypertension risk directly or indirectly through other factors [1].
Differences in heart rate and vascular resistance between sexes after middle age are less clear. Some studies show no significant difference in diastolic pressure or resting heart rate between males and females, suggesting similar systemic vascular resistance and autonomic nervous system activity at older ages [3]. However, some conflicting evidence implies females may have higher resting heart rates due to autonomic differences [3].
Sleep duration and control of blood pressure exhibit gender differences, indicating lifestyle and physiological factors interact with sex in blood pressure management [5].
Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for preventing complications, and adults should check their blood pressure at least once. In addition to medication, several home remedies can help lower blood pressure naturally, such as eating a balanced diet, getting regular physical activity, limiting tobacco, moderating alcohol intake, maintaining a moderate weight, and reducing stress.
The updated guidelines for hypertension management define it as a blood pressure consistently at or above 120/80 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). If a pregnant person has a sharp rise in blood pressure, this may be a sign of preeclampsia. If a person displays symptoms of high blood pressure, they should contact a doctor for a suitable diagnosis and treatment.
If left untreated, hypertension may result in severe outcomes such as angina, irregular heartbeat, heart attacks, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, and kidney failure. The condition usually causes the same symptoms in males and females, including headaches and effects on vision.
Preeclampsia is a potentially dangerous condition that can cause various symptoms and may affect the growth of the fetus. People can discuss their medication with a doctor to check for any possible side effects. A greater percentage of males have high blood pressure than females, but the risk reverses gradually after the age of 50 years due to sex-specific factors. Research from 2016 concluded that females were more likely than males to be unaware of their hypertensive status due to disparities in healthcare.
Pregnant people may experience symptoms of high blood pressure, including headaches, malaise, nausea and vomiting during the second trimester, changes to urination frequency, and swelling of skin and other organs (edema). Having elevated blood pressure for a short time may be a standard response to stress, but to safely diagnose hypertension, doctors will require several readings that show consistent high blood pressure over time. Consistent high blood pressure may cause symptoms such as headaches, nosebleeds, double vision, arrhythmia, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, chest pain, and body tremors.
If people do not have any symptoms, it can be difficult to detect high blood pressure, but it can be checked at home, a doctor's office, a pharmacy, or public spaces. Doctors diagnose high blood pressure when blood pressure readings are consistently high, at 120/80 mm Hg or above.
- In the latter stages of life, hypertension prevalence in women, particularly post-menopause, rises significantly due to hormonal changes like estrogen depletion, which increases their systolic blood pressure.
- High blood pressure symptoms and risk factors between males and females may diminish in the latter stages of life, but underlying distinctions remain due to hormonal, vascular, and possibly autonomic factors.
- Men generally have a higher systolic blood pressure and a higher prevalence of hypertension than women before the age of 45 to 50, but this trend reverses gradually after the age of 50.
- The differences in heart rate and vascular resistance between the sexes after middle age are less clear, suggesting similar systemic vascular resistance and autonomic nervous system activity at older ages, although some conflicting evidence implies females may have higher resting heart rates.
- Preeclampsia, a potentially dangerous condition, can cause various symptoms and may affect the growth of the fetus, and pregnant people should contact a doctor for a suitable diagnosis and treatment.
- Regular blood pressure monitoring is essential for pregnant women, as untreated hypertension may result in severe outcomes such as preeclampsia and may affect the growth of the fetus, and women may be more likely than men to be unaware of their hypertensive status due to disparities in healthcare.
