A detailed review of hypertension among U.S. adults from 1999-2018 reveals steady prevalence yet stark disparities across ethnic, socioeconomic, and age groups of American women (blood pressure). Today, 31.9% of U.S. women have hypertension.
Major disparities
African American women bear the highest burden at roughly 45%, nearly 20% higher than other racial groups. Socioeconomic factors intensify this disparity. Limited healthcare access and lower education correlate strongly with higher hypertension rates. Several studies indicate that women with lower income and education have up to 15% higher hypertension risk than those with higher socioeconomic standing (American Heart Association, CDC).
Obesity emerges as a major factor, as nearly 43% of women with a BMI ≥30 have hypertension. Rising obesity rates since the 2000s correlate with increased hypertension risk in women. The dependency is especially strong in the 40-59 age group. Obesity impacts over half of hypertensive women, according to CDC data. The association between high BMI and hypertension highlights the urgent need for targeted preventive care.
65% of hypertensive women are on medication. However, only 50% achieve blood pressure control under 140/90 mmHg. This lack of control disproportionately affects African American women. Despite similar treatment rates, they show lower control levels compared to their White or Hispanic counterparts (Nature). The American Heart Association reports that while more women are screened and treated. However, the inequities in control rates highlight systemic gaps in healthcare access and management resources.
Aging is a strong risk factor: women over 60 are at nearly six times the hypertension risk of those under 40, according to the CDC. As this population grows, health agencies anticipate a rise in hypertension prevalence without proactive lifestyle and health interventions. Studies underscore that preventive health measures targeting African American and older women could reduce hypertension rates and improve cardiovascular outcomes (Harvard Health, CDC).
US women and high blood pressure: the conclusion
While overall rates remain stable, the trends reveal significant disparities. Targeted policies, like equitable access to healthcare, obesity management programs, and increased hypertension awareness, are essential to addressing the high cardiovascular risks facing U.S. women today.
