Hypertension in women: what is really known?

Article Abstract:

Many studies have shown that treating high blood pressure, or hypertension, reduces the incidence of sickness and death from stroke and heart disease, but these studies can only be applied to men. Data regarding hypertensive treatment and its effect on women's health is lacking. Hypertension is more common among blacks and more prevalent in men. However, because there are more women in the population, a greater number of women than men have hypertension. Of the seven studies generally quoted when discussing the rationale for treating hypertension, only four include women. One of study showed a 28 percent decrease in the death rate of black women who received hypertensive treatment; smaller decreases were reported in white and black men, 15 and 20 percent, respectively. However, the data showed a 2.5 percent increase in the death rate of white women whose hypertension was treated. Another study showed a 15 percent reduction in the death rate among men, and a 26 percent increase among women. The number of women in these studies was too small to generalize the findings to the population at large. Treating hypertension is problematic in all patients, as the drugs used to reduce blood pressure have side effects, which in some cases are quite serious. One known side effect of certain medications is raising the blood cholesterol level. Several of the components of cholesterol are known to contribute to heart disease, while one component, high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, is known to reduce the risk of heart disease. Women have higher levels of HDL cholesterol than men, and this may be why heart disease is still less common in women. Further study of antihypertensive drugs that affect HDL cholesterol must be done, with an analysis of gender-related side effects. Some blood pressure agents have an adverse effect on sexual function, blood pressure studies that include women rarely ask about preservation or loss of their sexual function. Clearly, considerably more research is needed into the effects of blood pressure medications on women's health, in terms of reducing mortality and side effects. The existing literature is really inadequate to make useful recommendations on treating women with high blood pressure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Hypertension, Complications and side effects, Drug therapy, Antihypertensive drugs, Antihypertensive agents

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Update in women's health

Article Abstract:

Research on coronary artery disease in women has documented that women with diabetes have lower blood levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol. High levels of this type of cholesterol appear to protect people against heart disease. The total amount of dietary fat may be less important than the specific type of fat. Hormone therapy seems to lower total cholesterol and raise HDL cholesterol and may be most effective in women who already have risk factors for heart disease. Low-dose estrogen appears to be safest and raloxifene seems to have the benefits of estrogen without the risks.

Coronary heart disease, Hormone therapy, Dosage and administration, Estrogen, Estrogens

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Update in women's health

Article Abstract:

Important research on women's health published in 1999 is reviewed. Topics include coronary heart disease, osteoporosis, breast cancer prevention, hormone replacement therapy, oral contraceptives, obesity, cancer screening, domestic violence, and sexual dysfunction.

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