Heart disease related to high blood pressure is causing a growing number of deaths among women aged 25 to 44, according to research presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session on Mar. 19. The study found that deaths in this age group attributed to hypertensive heart disease increased from 1.1 per 100,000 in 1999 to 4.8 per 100,000 in 2023.
This trend highlights the importance of early detection and management of high blood pressure, which is often called the "silent killer" because many people are unaware they have it. High blood pressure can damage the heart and blood vessels over time, leading to serious conditions such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart attacks, and strokes.
Researchers analyzed death certificate data for U.S. women between ages 25 and 44 over a period spanning more than two decades. They found that more than 29,000 women died from hypertensive heart disease during this time frame. The study also revealed disparities based on race and geography: non-Hispanic Black women had the highest mortality rate at 8.6 per 100,000 compared to non-Hispanic White Americans at 2.3 per 100,000; regionally, women in the South experienced higher rates than those in other parts of the country.
The findings suggest that younger women may not be receiving adequate screening or treatment for hypertension. "We need to be screening patients of this demographic for hypertension more aggressively, and that includes mitigating risk factors and possibly using antihypertensive medications," Millhuff said. "Even though hypertension is more prevalent in older populations, it's something that we need to be vigilant about in younger populations, as well." Researchers noted that lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, and exercising are important first steps for managing high blood pressure.
The researchers also pointed out specific cardiovascular risks faced by women due to hormonal changes during pregnancy and perimenopause. They emphasized the role of primary care providers and women's health specialists in identifying and managing hypertension among young women who may not regularly see a cardiologist.
Looking ahead, experts recommend increased awareness among both clinicians and patients about cardiovascular risk factors affecting young women so interventions can begin earlier.
