The Relationship Between Sex and the Incidence of Hypertension

Abstract

Hypertension is a major global public health problem due to its substantial contribution to cardiovascular morbidity and premature mortality. It is often referred to as a silent killer because it may remain undetected for long periods while progressively increasing the risk of stroke, kidney disease, and cardiovascular complications. This study aimed to determine the relationship between sex and hypertension among adults in the Sukaraja Community Health Center, Sukabumi Regency. A cross-sectional design was employed involving 249 outpatients aged ≥18 years, with blood pressure measured using standardized digital sphygmomanometers. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg, diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg, or current use of antihypertensive medication. The results showed that 54% of respondents had hypertension, with a higher proportion among females (77%) compared to males (24%). Chi-square analysis demonstrated a statistically significant relationship between sex and hypertension (p = 0.001). These findings align with existing evidence indicating that women experience a steeper increase in blood pressure with age, particularly after menopause. The study highlights the importance of sex-specific screening and prevention strategies in community health settings to support early detection and targeted interventions for hypertension.

Keywords: hypertension; sex differences; blood pressure; epidemiology; nursing intervention