Bateman, BrianShaw, Kate M.Kuklina, Elena V.Callaghan, William M.Seely, EllenHernández-Díaz, Sonia2013-03-132012Bateman, Brian T., Kate M. Shaw, Elena V. Kuklina, William M. Callaghan, Ellen W. Seely, and Sonia Hernández-Díaz. 2012. Hypertension in women of reproductive age in the United States: NHANES 1999-2008. PLoS ONE 7(4): e36171.1932-6203http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:10399829Objective: 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.en-USMedicineCardiovascularCardiovascular Diseases in WomenHypertensionEpidemiologyCardiovascular Disease EpidemiologyPharmacoepidemiologyNon-Clinical MedicineHealth Care PolicyHealth Education and AwarenessHealth Risk AnalysisNutritionObesityObstetrics and GynecologyPregnancyHypertensive Disorders in PregnancyPregnancy ComplicationsPublic HealthHealth ScreeningPreventive MedicineWomen's HealthJournal Article2013-03-1310.1371/journal.pone.0036171