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Improved Understanding and Innovative Approaches for an Aging Dilemma: Resistant Hypertension in Women with Existing Vascular Disease

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Abstract

Approximately half of adults with hypertension in the United States are uncontrolled and perhaps, based on most recent data, 12 %–15 % are considered resistant. Moreover, compared with men, women have more prevalent resistant hypertension with greater older age status and obesity, 2 of the strongest predictors. Resistant hypertension is more common in African Americans and more frequent with concomitant heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, stroke, and chronic kidney disease. In addition to lifestyle modifications, effective treatment mandates combination therapy, including appropriate diuretics, renin-angiotensin system blockers, calcium channel blockers, and underutilized aldosterone antagonists. Emerging, innovative interventions, including renal artery denervation and carotid stimulation treatment, are potentially effective and well-tolerated approaches to blood pressure control.

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Disclosure

K.C. Ferdinand: consultancy for Astra Zeneca, Merck, Takeda, Novartis, and Forest, received honoraria from Daiichi Sankyo, Takeda, Novartis, Forest, and Astra Zeneca; S.A. Nasser: none.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Tulane Heart and Vascular Institute, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, SL-48, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA

    Keith C. Ferdinand

  2. Department of Clinical Research and Leadership, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, The George Washington University, 900 23rd Street NW, Suite 6176, Washington, DC, 20037, USA

    Samar A. Nasser

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Correspondence to Keith C. Ferdinand.

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Ferdinand, K.C., Nasser, S.A. Improved Understanding and Innovative Approaches for an Aging Dilemma: Resistant Hypertension in Women with Existing Vascular Disease. Curr Cardiovasc Risk Rep 6, 450–458 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12170-012-0252-2

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