What are the sex differences in the prevalence, treatment, and pathophysiology of hypertension?
Women are more likely to have hypertension than men, and may have a higher risk of first stroke with hypertension. Studies have also shown that women are less likely to have their hypertension adequately controlled and are more likely to have higher blood pressure levels than men. Furthermore, women are more likely to have certain characteristics, such as increased pulse pressure and higher levels of renin and aldosterone, that are associated with increased risk of stroke. Additionally, women may respond differently to certain hypertension treatments than men.