Women and High Blood Pressure

More than half of all women over age 55 suffer from high blood pressure, or hypertension. It is more common and more severe in black women. But this serious condition affects many Americans. In fact, 1 in 4 American adults have high blood pressure.

High blood pressure causes 3 of every 5 cases of heart failure in women. It can also lead to stroke, kidney failure, heart attack, and other health problems. Women who have both diabetes and high blood pressure are at an even greater risk of stroke and kidney problems than are women who have only high blood pressure.