Gender and hypertension management: a sub-analysis of the I-inSYST survey

Blood Press. 2011 Apr;20(2):69-76. doi: 10.3109/08037051.2010.532304. Epub 2010 Nov 24.

Abstract

Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in women. Aim. To evaluate blood pressure control, prevalence of concomitant cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical and clinical organ damage, and treatment according to gender. Methods. 11,562 patients (49% women) from the cross-sectional I-inSyst survey in primary care were included. Results. Blood pressure control in women (21.8%) and men (21.2%) was similar, despite a slightly older age (64.9 vs 63 years, p<0.0001). Women had less concomitant cardiovascular risk factors and organ damage, with the exception of diabetes, cerebrovascular and renal disease, than men. They received more antihypertensive drugs than men (1.7 ± 0.9 vs 1.5 ± 0.9, p<0.0001). Diuretics were more (45% vs 36.5%, p<0.0001), calcium-channel blockers (26% vs 29%, p<0.003) and angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (20% vs 22%, p<0.02) were less commonly prescribed in women than in men. Different clinical factors (i.e. age, duration of hypertension, smoking) in women and men were associated with blood pressure control, but gender itself was not. Conclusions. In this group of treated hypertensive patients, blood pressure control in women and men was not different. Women had a lower prevalence of most cardiovascular risk factors, subclinical and clinical organ damage. Antihypertensive drug treatment varied according to gender.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / etiology
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypertension / drug therapy*
  • Hypertension / epidemiology*
  • Kidney Diseases / epidemiology
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Risk Factors
  • Sex Factors

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents