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. 2012;7(4):e36171.
doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0036171. Epub 2012 Apr 30.

Hypertension in women of reproductive age in the United States: NHANES 1999-2008

Brian T Bateman  1 , Kate M Shaw, Elena V Kuklina, William M Callaghan, Ellen W Seely, Sonia Hernández-Díaz
Affiliations

Hypertension in women of reproductive age in the United States: NHANES 1999-2008

Brian T Bateman et al. PLoS One. 2012.

Abstract

Objective: To examine the epidemiology of hypertension in women of reproductive age.

Methods: Using NHANES from 1999-2008, we identified 5,521 women age 20-44 years old. Hypertension status was determined using blood pressure measurements and/or self-reported medication use.

Results: The estimated prevalence of hypertension in women of reproductive age was 7.7% (95% confidence interval (CI): 6.9%-8.5%). The prevalence of anti-hypertensive pharmacologic therapy was 4.2% (95% CI 3.5%-4.9%). The prevalence of hypertension was relatively stable across the study period; the age and race adjusted odds of hypertension in 2007-2008 did not differ significantly from 1999-2000 (odds ratio 1.2, CI 0.8 to 1.7, p = 0.45). Significant independent risk factors associated with hypertension included older age, non-Hispanic black race (compared to non-Hispanic whites), diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, and higher body mass index. The most commonly used antihypertensive medications included diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACE), and beta blockers.

Conclusion: Hypertension occurs in about 8% of women of reproductive age. There are remarkable differences in the prevalence of hypertension between racial/ethnic groups. Obesity is a risk factor of particular importance in this population because it affects over 30% of young women in the U.S., is associated with more than 4 fold increased risk of hypertension, and is potentially modifiable.

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Conflict of interest statement

Competing Interests: The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1. Prevalence1 of hypertension2 by body mass index (BMI)and for reproductive aged women, 20–44, United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2008
. 1. Weighted estimates calculated using the examination weight and 95% confidence intervals. 2. Hypertension was defined as an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, average diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or self-reported currently taking anti-hypertensives.
Figure 2
Figure 2. Prevalence1 of hypertension2 (A) by body mass index (B) and distribution of BMI for white and black, non-Hispanic reproductive aged women, 20–44, United States, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 1999–2008.
1. Weighted estimates calculated using the examination weight; 95% confidence intervals. 2. Hypertension was defined as an average systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, average diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or self-reported currently taking anti-hypertensives.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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