Women Face Barriers in Hypertension Diagnosis and Treatment
A new study from the University of Alberta and the University of Ottawa reveals that Canadian women with high blood pressure often have to advocate strongly for themselves to receive proper care. Published in CJC Open, the research highlights how women's concerns can be dismissed as 'white coat hypertension' or anxiety unless they provide documented evidence from home monitoring.
Dr. Kaitlyn Watson, assistant professor in the Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of Alberta and lead author of the study, explains: 'What we found was that women have to take in proof when they go to the doctor, otherwise their high blood pressure reading in the office may be dismissed as white coat hypertension or anxiety.'
Study Methodology and Participant Insights
Watson and two patient partners conducted interviews with 12 female patients with hypertension from across Canada between February and June 2023. The interviews explored the women's experiences with screening, treatment, and follow-up by their family physicians. The participants demonstrated a good understanding of hypertension causes and were actively working to manage their condition through diet modifications, stress management, home blood pressure monitoring, and medication adherence when prescribed.
However, the patients also reported facing ageism and accusations of nonadherence from their physicians. These negative experiences often discouraged them from seeking timely care or speaking up about their symptoms. 'I want women to know they can be their own advocate,' Watson says. 'No one's going to care about their health more than them. So they have to make sure that they do speak up and that they are listened to in those situations.'
The Silent Killer: Understanding Hypertension
High blood pressure, defined as readings consistently at or above 130/80 mmHg, is a known precursor for heart disease and a risk factor for dementia in women. While symptoms can include dizziness, headaches, vision problems, and shortness of breath, hypertension is often called a 'silent killer' because many patients experience no symptoms at all. This makes regular screening and accurate diagnosis critical.
The researchers note that even when taking antihypertensive medications, Canadian women consistently have higher blood pressure than men. According to the latest Canadian Health Measures Survey, only 50% of women over 40 with hypertension have it controlled, and control rates are particularly low among patients under 40 and over 60. This disparity underscores the need for improved communication and trust between female patients and their healthcare providers.
Implications for Clinical Practice
The study's findings suggest that healthcare providers should take women's blood pressure concerns seriously, regardless of whether readings are elevated in the office. Home blood pressure monitoring can provide a more accurate picture of a patient's typical readings and help differentiate between true hypertension and white coat effects. Physicians should also be aware of potential biases, such as ageism, that may affect their assessment and treatment decisions.
For women, the message is clear: be proactive. Keeping a log of home blood pressure readings, documenting symptoms, and clearly communicating concerns can help ensure that hypertension is diagnosed and managed effectively. As Watson emphasizes, self-advocacy is essential for receiving appropriate care.
Moving Forward
The research team plans to expand this work to include a larger, more diverse sample of women and to explore interventions that can improve the patient-provider relationship. By raising awareness of these barriers, the study aims to empower women and encourage healthcare systems to adopt more patient-centered approaches to hypertension care.
This article is based on reporting by Medical Xpress. Read the original article.
Originally published on medicalxpress.com
