High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, is a prevalent condition affecting nearly half of all adults in the United States.
The American Heart Association warns that this condition significantly raises the risk of heart attack, stroke, kidney disease, and other serious health issues.
Blood pressure is typically measured with two numbers: systolic (the top number) and diastolic (the bottom number).
According to guidelines from the AHA and American College of Cardiology, high blood pressure is defined as a systolic reading of 130 or higher or a diastolic reading of 80 or higher.
The Study at Rutgers University
Researchers from Rutgers University conducted a recent study using health data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey spanning from 1999 to 2018.
The study involved over 13,000 people who were receiving treatment for high blood pressure through medications. Surprisingly, 34% of the participants had uncontrolled high blood pressure despite their medication.
Findings and Implications
The study analyzed different age groups and gender differences regarding uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Younger men and older women were found to be more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension despite taking medications.
In their 20s and 30s, men exhibited a higher likelihood of uncontrolled high blood pressure compared to women, with the difference peaking in their 30s.
However, by their 40s, men were still 47% more likely than women to have uncontrolled hypertension.
The trend shifted for people aged 50 and older, where the odds of having uncontrolled high blood pressure became similar for both genders.
Surprisingly, among individuals aged 70 and older, women were 29% more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension.
In those aged 80 and beyond, women’s likelihood of uncontrolled high blood pressure increased by a staggering 63% compared to men.
This study emphasizes the urgent need to raise awareness about uncontrolled hypertension, especially among older women and younger men. Further research is necessary to comprehend the underlying causes behind this disparity.
Risk Factors for Hypertension
Several risk factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure, including:
- Age: The risk of developing high blood pressure increases with age.
- Family history: Individuals with a family history of high blood pressure are at a higher risk.
- Race or ethnicity: Certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African Americans and Hispanic Americans, face a higher risk.
- Gender: Men are more likely than women to develop high blood pressure, though women’s risk increases after menopause.
- Lifestyle factors: A diet high in sodium, lack of physical activity, obesity, and smoking can all increase the risk.
- Chronic conditions: Conditions like diabetes, kidney disease, and sleep apnea can contribute to the risk.
- Stress: Chronic stress can also play a role in high blood pressure.
It’s essential to recognize that many people with high blood pressure may not show any symptoms, making regular blood pressure screenings crucial, especially for those with risk factors.
For those concerned about high blood pressure, consulting with a healthcare provider and taking steps to manage health is vital.
This may include adhering to a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and following appropriate medication protocols. By taking these proactive measures, individuals can protect their heart health and overall well-being.
If you care about high blood pressure, please read studies about food that could help lower the risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, and this diet could help reduce high blood pressure in older people.
For more information about blood pressure, please see recent studies about why people with high blood pressure are more likely to have severe COVID-19 and results showing an important but ignored cause of high blood pressure.
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