1. Introduction Hypertension is a common cardiovascular disease, which seriously threatens human health. There are some differences between men and women in the morbidity, symptoms, treatment and prognosis of hypertension. Understanding these differences is of great significance for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.
2. Gender differences in the prevalence of hypertension In general, in many countries and regions, the prevalence of hypertension in men is higher than that in women within a certain age range. Before the age of 60, the proportion of men suffering from hypertension is much higher than that of women. This may be related to the lifestyle of men, who are more likely to have bad habits such as smoking, drinking and high-salt diet, which are risk factors for hypertension. However, after the age of 60, the proportion of women with hypertension began to increase gradually, and the difference with men gradually narrowed. This is because after menopause, the estrogen level in the body decreases and loses its protective effect on blood vessels, which leads to an increase in the prevalence of hypertension.
3. Gender differences in hypertension symptoms Although hypertension usually has no obvious symptoms, when symptoms occur, men and women are also different. Female patients are more likely to suffer from fatigue, headache, sleep disorders and other symptoms. This may be related to women’s physiological characteristics and psychological factors. Women in the physiological cycle, pregnancy, menopause and other special periods, the body’s hormone levels will change, easy to affect blood pressure, but also lead to fatigue, headache and other discomfort symptoms. In addition, women usually pay more attention to their health than men, and are more sensitive to the symptoms of physical discomfort. In contrast, male patients are more likely to have palpitation, chest distress and other symptoms. Men face greater pressure in their work and life, and long-term mental stress and pressure can lead to sympathetic nerve excitation, which can cause palpitation, chest distress and other symptoms. Moreover, men’s physical activity is relatively more, the burden of the heart is heavier, and they are also prone to cardiovascular symptoms.
4. Gender differences in the treatment of hypertension 1. Drug selection-due to the influence of estrogen in women, hypertension tends to be low renin activity, so the effect of Sartan or Puli drugs on women may not be so good. For such female patients, the general choice of diazepam drugs or beta blockers (propranolol drugs) may have a better antihypertensive effect. In men, who tend to have high renin activity, drugs such as sartan or prilol may be more effective in lowering blood pressure. 2. Drug side effects-When using diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, men are most likely to suffer from hyperuricemia and gout, while women are more likely to suffer from hypokalemia. -For diazepines, ankle edema is more common in women than in men. -Women are more likely than men to have a dry cough when taking a prion.
5. Characteristics of female hypertension in special period 1. Premenstrual tension syndrome-some women will have blood pressure fluctuations before menstruation, which is related to changes in hormone levels in the body. About a week before menstruation, estrogen levels in women drop and progesterone levels rise, causing blood vessels to constrict and blood pressure to rise. Generally speaking, this increase in blood pressure is temporary, and blood pressure will return to normal after menstruation. However, if women have a history of hypertension, the fluctuation of blood pressure before menstruation may be more obvious, and need to strengthen monitoring and treatment. 2. Pregnancy-gestational hypertension is a special type of hypertension, which is harmful to the health of pregnant women and fetuses. Increased blood volume, vascular endothelial cell damage, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system imbalance and other factors in pregnant women may lead to elevated blood pressure. Patients with gestational hypertension may have headache, dizziness, proteinuria, edema and other symptoms, if not treated in time, may develop into eclampsia, a serious threat to the lives of pregnant women and fetuses. 3. Menopause-Menopause is a transitional stage from reproductive period to old age. Estrogen levels in the body drop sharply, resulting in vasomotor dysfunction and blood pressure rising easily. The symptoms of high blood pressure in menopausal women may be atypical and easily overlooked. At the same time, menopausal women may also be accompanied by hot flashes, sweating, insomnia, irritability and other symptoms, which will further affect the control of blood pressure. 4. The prevalence of hypertension in postmenopausal women is significantly increased, which is closely related to the decline of estrogen levels in the body. Estrogen can promote the growth and repair of vascular endothelial cells, inhibit the proliferation of vascular smooth muscle, and protect blood vessels. After menopause, women lose the protection of estrogen, the elasticity of blood vessels decreases, and blood pressure increases.
6. Gender differences in the prevention of hypertension 1. Lifestyle adjustment-diet: Both men and women should control salt intake, not more than 5 grams per day. However, because men usually have a heavier taste, they need to pay more attention to reducing salt intake. Women should eat more foods rich in potassium and calcium, such as vegetables, fruits and dairy products, to help lower blood pressure. -Exercise: Men should reduce sedentary time and increase exercise, such as at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise per week, such as brisk walking, jogging, swimming, etc. Women can choose their own way of exercise, such as yoga, Pilates and so on, which can not only exercise, but also relieve stress. Smoking cessation and alcohol restriction: Smoking and excessive drinking both increase the morbidity risk of hypertension, and men with a higher proportion of smoking and drinking should quit smoking and limit alcohol. Women should also try to avoid smoking and excessive drinking, especially during special periods, such as pregnancy and lactation. 2. Psychological adjustment-Men are under great pressure in their work and life, so they need to learn to release pressure correctly, such as through sports, travel, listening to music and other ways to relieve tension. Women in menopause and other special periods, prone to emotional fluctuations, but also need to pay attention to psychological adjustment, maintain a good state of mind.
7. Conclusion There are significant gender differences in hypertension between men and women, which are related to physiological, lifestyle, psychological and other factors. Understanding these differences will help us better prevent, diagnose and treat hypertension. Both men and women should pay attention to their blood pressure, measure their blood pressure regularly and maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you find yourself suffering from hypertension, you should seek medical treatment in time and be treated under the guidance of a doctor.
Hypertension
