Women and Hypertension

Women and Hypertension: Perception vs. RealityPERCEPTION: Women perceive hypertension as a minor health threat1Top Perceived Threats to Women’s Health in the U.S.Total(n=820)Cancer (Net)Breast cancer90%54%Cancer (unspecified)33%Ovarian cancer9%Cervical cancer9%Lung cancer8%Cardiovascular-Related Diseases/Conditions (Net)87%Heart disease (unspecified)/Heart conditions (unspecified) 69%Heart attack16%Hypertension, or high BP5%Hypercholesterolemia, or high blood cholesterol1%Diabetes19%Stroke (unspecified)12%Obesity11%Osteoporosis 9%REALITY: 39% of the women surveyed said they have been diagnosedwith hypertension by a physician or other health professionalIn a survey of 820 women >40, only 5% cite hypertension or high BP as one of the top threats towomen’s health.1Harris Interactive. Quick Query Dealing With Women’s Top Health Concerns. August 2006;1–3.