Even the first degree of increased blood pressure in women, unlike men, the risk of heart disease is high, according to a new study published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology1. In the study conducted by Norwegian scientists, 12 thousand people were included, whose health was monitored for 16 years. When it started in 1992, the average age of the participants was 41 years. At baseline, 39% of women and 66% of men had first- and second-degree hypertension, between 130/80 and 139/89 and higher than 140/90, respectively. Other risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including obesity, high bad cholesterol, are reported less often in women than in men. They are also less likely to smoke. Researchers estimate that women with first-degree hypertension have twice the risk of cardiovascular disease than those with normal blood pressure. Such a risk in men with this degree of hypertension was not recorded by them. The researchers commented that there is increasing evidence that hypertension is more dangerous to heart health in women than in men. In addition, the risk becomes significantly higher with a slight increase in blood pressure. According to a leading American expert, the study was well designed. Prof. Joyce Oun-Hsiao commented to The New York Times2 that doctors monitor risk factors, but they really don’t pay attention to gender. It is clear from this study that there is a statistical difference between men and women. According to her, because of the conclusions of the work, steps can be taken to update the primary prevention of hypertension. At this stage, with the first degree of blood pressure, lifestyle changes are recommended without prescribing drug therapy. The only exceptions are patients who have other additional risk factors such as diabetes. It is possible that in the future, women over 40 years of age, in the presence of the first degree of hypertension, will be prescribed medication. Sources: 1. Stage 1 hypertension, sex, and acute coronary syndromes during midlife: the Hordaland Health Study | European Journal of Preventive Cardiology | Oxford Academic (oup.com) 2. For Women in Their 40s, High Blood Pressure May Carry Special Risks – The New York Times (nytimes.com)