High Blood Pressure: How It Affects Men and Women Differently
Caption: High blood pressure (hypertension) risks and complications differ between men and women. Dr Ian Phoon, Consultant, SingHealth Polyclinics – Pasir Ris, explains. (iStock photo)
"When it comes to hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, one should be aware of some of the differences between men and women. High blood pressure is more common in men as compared to women before the age of 50 years old. However, after the age of 55 years old, high blood pressure is more common among women than men," says Dr Ian Phoon, Consultant, SingHealth Polyclinics – Pasir Ris, a member of the SingHealth group.
High blood pressure complications for men and women
High blood pressure complications include heart attacks and stroke. Studies have shown that such complications are significantly lower in women, especially in women who have not undergone menopause. Between these two complications, the reduction in heart attacks is much more prominent.
When comparing men and women between 40 and 70 years old with similar degrees of high blood pressure, women have lower complication risks than men. Therefore, to have similar damage to organs and blood vessels in women, a greater blood pressure load is required.
Related article: What causes high blood pressure in women and prevention tips
Screening for high blood pressure
It is thus important to go for regular blood pressure screening, especially if you are a young or middle-aged man (20s to early 40s) or a post-menopausal woman.
"While older people have a greater risk of high blood pressure, younger men in their 30s and 40s often suffer from the disease without knowing it," says Dr Phoon. This is because high blood pressure is a "silent killer" with no obvious symptoms.
"Despite gender differences in the age-related risk of high blood pressure, both men and women are diagnosed and treated in the same way", adds Dr Phoon
A person with a blood pressure reading of 1 40/90 mm Hg or higher is said to have high blood pressure. Having untreated high blood pressure can double your risk of getting a stroke and heart attack, and increase your chance of kidney failure.
Related article: Cutting down on these 3 foods will lower your blood pressure
Why do younger men develop high blood pressure?
Obesity, work stress, physical inactivity, high salt intake and excessive alcohol consumption (more than 2 drinks per day) are likely causes for the rise in high blood pressure in men under age 45.
Younger men with high blood pressure may have metabolic syndrome (abdominal obesity) which is linked to heart diseases and diabetes .
Related article: How prevalent is diabetes in Singapore and key diabetes facts
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