High BP may be more dangerous for women than men

Scientists have for the first time found significant differences in the mechanisms that cause high blood pressure in women as compared to men.

By: Agencies | | Published: January 2, 2014 2:19 pm

Scientists have for the first time found significant differences in the mechanisms that cause high blood pressure in women as compared to men. Also Read - Commonly used blood pressure medications safe for COVID-19 patients

Doctors may need to treat high blood pressure in women earlier and more aggressively than they do in men, according to scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, US. Also Read - Avoid sexual dysfunction: Having multiple partners may actually be good for you

‘The medical community thought that high blood pressure was the same for both sexes and treatment was based on that premise,’ said Carlos Ferrario, professor of surgery at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study. Also Read - Rajinikanth being treated for severe hypertension: Check your blood pressure regularly

‘This is the first study to consider sex as an element in the selection of antihypertensive agents or base the choice of a specific drug on the various factors accounting for the elevation in blood pressure,’ said Ferrario. (Read: Indians suffering from hypertension set to increase)

Although there has been a significant decline in cardiovascular disease mortality in men during the last 20 to 30 years, the same has not held true for women, Ferrario said.

In the comparative study, 100 men and women age 53 and older with untreated high blood pressure and no other major diseases were evaluated using an array of specialised tests that indicated whether the heart or the blood vessels were primarily involved in elevating the blood pressure.

The tests measured hemodynamic – the forces involved in the circulation of blood – and hormonal characteristics of the mechanisms involved in the development of high blood pressure in men and women.

The researchers found 30 to 40 per cent more vascular disease in the women compared to the men for the same level of elevated blood pressure.

There were significant physiologic differences in the women’s cardiovascular system, including types and levels of hormones involved in blood pressure regulation, that contribute to the severity and frequency of heart disease.

‘Our study findings suggest a need to better understand the female sex-specific underpinnings of the hypertensive processes to tailor optimal treatments for this vulnerable population,’ Ferrario said. (Read: 10 ways hypertension or High BP affects your body)

‘We need to evaluate new protocols – what drugs, in what combination and in what dosage – to treat women with high blood pressure,’ said Ferrario.

The study was published in the journal Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease.

Home remedies to tackle high blood pressure

Several herbs have been used in traditional medicine to treat high blood pressure and here we present a few such remedies.

Garlic

Garlic has been found useful in patients whose blood pressure is mildly elevated. It is believed that allicin in garlic increases the production of nitric oxide and this helps to relax the muscles of the arteries, reducing both the diastolic as well as the systolic blood pressure. To get the entire benefits of garlic, it is recommended that you peel and lightly crush the fresh garlic and consume it raw. However, garlic also has the property of thinning blood and this means the clotting ability of blood is reduced; so it is best to use garlic supplements only after you consult your doctor.

Karpuravalli

Coleus forskohlii is the Karpuravalli plant that is grown in many home gardens in South India. In research studies, it has been found to relax the smooth muscles of the arteries and this helps to lower blood pressure. It is also said to make the heartbeat stronger and slow down the pulse. Certain studies have evaluated the action of Karpuravalli tablets and chewable pills and found it helps reduce blood pressure in the elderly.

Read more about herbal remedies for hypertension.

With inputs from PTI

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Published : January 2, 2014 2:19 pm

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