Multispecialty Consensus Statement on Hypertension in Women in India

Hypertension (HTN) is a major global public health challenge and disproportionately affects women, particularly in low- and middle-income countries such as India. Despite its high burden and contribution to cardiovascular (CV) morbidity and mortality, HTN in women remains underdiagnosed, undertreated, and underrepresented in existing guidelines. Biological factors including hormonal fluctuations across life stages from menarche and pregnancy to menopause and older age interact with sociocultural barriers such as limited healthcare access, financial dependence, and gender norms, creating unique challenges for women. This multispecialty consensus statement, developed through collaboration among experts in cardiology, endocrinology, nephrology, obstetrics, gynecology, internal medicine, and primary care, provides a comprehensive framework for the prevention, diagnosis, and management of HTN in Indian women. The document emphasizes sex-specific risk factors, life-course blood pressure trajectories, and tailored approaches to hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, menopause, and aging. It also highlights the role of innovative management strategies, including lifestyle interventions, pharmacological therapies, and technology-enabled care, alongside the need for equitable healthcare policies. This consensus aims to address existing gaps in care, enhance awareness, and advance the CV health of women through evidence-based, gender-sensitive strategies.