Sex differences in the use of blood pressure lowering therapy and blood pressure control

AIM: To investigate sex differences in the use of antihypertensive therapy and achievement of blood pressure targets among patients with hypertension in a real-world clinical setting.

METHODS: Data were used from the PHARMO Data Network between 2010 and 2020. New users of antihypertensive medications with a diagnosis for hypertension were included. We assessed sex differences in antihypertensive intensity at initiation, time to first intensification, and achievement of blood pressure targets within 6 months after initiation.

RESULTS: In total, 24 851 individuals (48% women) were included. Women were 34% [95% confidence interval (CI): 27-42] more likely than men to be dispensed low intensity antihypertensives at initiation and to start with a beta-blocker or diuretic. Women were less likely than men to be uptitrated (adjusted hazard ratio: 0.93 (95% CI: 0.90-0.96)), yet 16% (95% CI: 11-20) more likely to reach blood pressure target levels.

CONCLUSION: Among individuals with hypertension, women initiated antihypertensive therapy at lower intensities and were less likely to be uptitrated than men. Nonetheless, attainment of blood pressure targets within 6 months after initiation was higher in women than men.