Hypertension in Women: Evaluation and Management

Obstet Gynecol Clin North Am. 2016 Jun;43(2):287-306. doi: 10.1016/j.ogc.2016.01.002. Epub 2016 Mar 18.

Abstract

Hypertension is the most commonly encountered chronic medical condition in primary care and one of the most significant modifiable cardiovascular risk factors for women and men. Timely diagnosis and evidence-based management offer an important opportunity to reduce the risk of hypertension-related morbidity and mortality, including cardiovascular events, end-stage renal disease, and heart failure. Clinical trials have shown significant improvements in patient-oriented outcomes when hypertension is well-controlled, yet many hypertensive patients remain undiagnosed, uncontrolled, or managed with inappropriate pharmacotherapy. This article discusses the initial diagnosis, evaluation, and management of hypertension in nonpregnant women, with topics for obstetrician-gynecologists and women's health providers.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Diagnosis; Hypertension; Treatment; Women’s health.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Age Factors
  • Antihypertensive Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Female
  • Hormone Replacement Therapy / adverse effects*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / etiology
  • Hypertension / prevention & control*
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / epidemiology
  • Obesity / prevention & control*
  • Primary Health Care*
  • Risk Factors
  • United States / epidemiology
  • Women's Health*

Substances

  • Antihypertensive Agents