Abstract: Menopause is a pivotal phase marked by hormonal shifts that can affect cardiovascular health, particularly through increased arterial stiffness, an early marker for cardiovascular disease. This study analyzed data from over 52,000 women in the UK Biobank to assess whether menopause independently contributes to arterial stiffening. Using non-invasive arterial stiffness index (ASI) measurements, researchers found that postmenopausal women exhibited significantly higher ASI values compared to premenopausal counterparts, even after adjusting for confounding variables such as age, blood pressure, hormone therapy, and pre-existing conditions.
The findings demonstrate a strong independent association between menopause and elevated ASI, suggesting that vascular aging accelerates during this transition. With a marked increase in the odds of clinically relevant stiffness (ASI >10 m/s) among postmenopausal women, the study highlights the importance of incorporating cardiovascular assessments into midlife women’s health strategies. These results support a growing body of evidence advocating for earlier interventions and preventive care tailored specifically for postmenopausal cardiovascular risk.
Click here to know more: Menopause and arterial stiffness index: insights from the Women’s UK Biobank cohort – ScienceDirect.