High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a major health problem in the United States. Nearly half of all adults have it, according to the American Heart Association.
This condition raises the risk of heart attacks, strokes, kidney disease, and many other serious health issues.
Doctors say you have high blood pressure if your top number (systolic) is 130 or higher, or if your bottom number (diastolic) is 80 or higher. Many people take medicine to help control their blood pressure. But for some, the medicine doesn’t work well enough, and their blood pressure stays too high.
A recent study from Rutgers University looked at this issue. The researchers found that younger men and older women are more likely to have uncontrolled high blood pressure, even if they are taking medicine for it. This means their blood pressure remains too high despite treatment.
The study used health data from more than 13,000 people who were taking blood pressure medication. The data came from a large national health survey collected between 1999 and 2018. The researchers found that 34% of the people in the study still had high blood pressure, even while on medication.
When they looked more closely, they saw that younger men and older women stood out. Among people in their 20s, men were 59% more likely than women to have uncontrolled blood pressure.
In their 30s, the gap widened—men were 70% more likely to have the problem. By their 40s, men were still 47% more likely than women to struggle with blood pressure control.
But this trend changed with age. In their 50s and 60s, men and women were about the same. Starting in their 70s, however, women were more likely than men to have uncontrolled blood pressure.
Women in this age group were 29% more likely to have the issue. In their 80s and beyond, the gap got even bigger, with older women being 63% more likely than men to have uncontrolled hypertension.
This research suggests that men under 50 and women over 70 need closer attention when it comes to blood pressure. Doctors may need to check their blood pressure more often and consider different treatments to help manage it better.
The study did not explain why these age and gender differences exist. The researchers believe that many factors could be involved. Hormone changes, how well medications work, and differences in lifestyle or healthcare access may all play a role. More studies are needed to better understand what’s going on.
Still, this study offers an important reminder: regular blood pressure checks are vital. Paying special attention to younger men and older women could help prevent heart problems and other serious health issues.
The study was presented at the American Heart Association’s virtual Hypertension Scientific Sessions. It was led by Dr. Aayush Visaria and highlights the need for personalized care for people of different ages and genders.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about Intensive blood pressure treatment for older adults may harm heart and kidneys and What you should know about high blood pressure medications.
If you care about blood pressure, please read studies about High blood pressure and marijuana: a risky combination and Common blood pressure drug may not prevent heart attack effectively.
Copyright © 2025 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
