Do men and women respond differently to blood pressure-lowering treatment?
Prevalence of hypertension is extremely variable in various epidemiological regions of the world. Indeed, ethnic differences in the prevalence of hypertension and its complications are evident, and may influence the approach to cardiovascular prevention (J Hum Hypertens. 2008 Aug;22(8):528-36). Genetic, environmental, and biological factors contribute to the development of high blood pressure. The impact of gender differences on cardiovascular disease has long subject of attention, however women are under-represented in many large clinical trials for hypertension (Eur Heart J. 2008 Nov;29(21):2585-6). Also, some studies have demonstrated important differences in prevalence of cardiovascular event rates between men and women, for various cardiovascular disorders (Am Heart J. 2008 Jul;156(1):57-64). Further on any management strategy should include proactive treatment for co-existing risk factors or diseases associated with hypertension, e.g. lipid-lowering therapy with statins markedly
