Abstract 54: Gender Differences In Blood Pressure Control Is Mediated By Age In United States Adults

Abstract

Introduction: Blood pressure (BP) control remains a major public health challenge. Little is known about the gender differences in BP control across the age spectrum. We determined the age-stratified associations between gender and uncontrolled HTN. Methods: We included adults ≥20 years who reported HTN diagnosis and antihypertensive medication use from the 1999-2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys. Mean BP was calculated as the average of 3 consecutive BP readings 30 seconds apart. Uncontrolled HTN was considered as BP ≥140/90. We used survey design-adjusted multivariable logistic regression to determine the odds of uncontrolled HTN in women vs. men, adjusting for demographic, sociobehavioral, metabolic, and comorbid factors. Results: Among 13,253 participants taking antihypertensive medications (mean age 57, 52% female, 71% White), 34% had HTN (35% women, 33% men). Upon stratifying by 10-year age groups, men had higher odds of uncontrolled HTN from age 20 to 49 years, followed by a period of insignificantly different odds of uncontrolled HTN from age 50-69 years (Table). Among participants ≥70 years, females had significantly higher adjusted odds of uncontrolled HTN. These associations persisted when using the 2017 ACC/AHA guidelines. Conclusion: Women have significantly higher odds (>20%) of uncontrolled HTN compared to men starting age 70. This may suggest that interventions to improve BP control in older women are warranted. The changes in the gender differences across the age spectrum warrant further evaluation.