High Blood Pressure In Women

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- High blood pressure is one of the most common health condition in the United States. We know that about a third of us suffer from, or will suffer from, hypertension.

High blood pressure is a particularly serious condition if left untreated.

Of the approximately 35 million people with high blood pressure, roughly one-half are women, and according to the American Heart Association, they have certain characteristics that can be concerning.  Compared with men, women with high blood pressure are more likely to be obese and have high cholesterol levels.  They are also less likely than men to receive medications such as aspirin, blood pressure lowering drugs, or cholesterol lowering drugs.

Most people don't know that heart disease is the number one killer of women. An estimated 480,000 women die of cardiovascular disease every single year.