We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress
Sign In
Advertise with Us

Download Mobile App




Early Onset Menopause May Predict Heart Disease

By HospiMedica International staff writers
Posted on 14 Oct 2016
Print article
Women who had menopausal symptoms early in midlife had higher cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality compared to women with later onset symptoms, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine (Pitt; PA, USA), Cedars-Sinai Medical Center (CSMC, Los Angeles, CA, USA), and other institutions conducted a study involving 254 postmenopausal women with both ovaries, who were not taking hormone therapy, in order to investigate associations between menopausal symptoms and risk for CVD. A subset of participants underwent brachial artery ultrasound for flow-mediated dilation (FMD), and all women were followed annually.

The results revealed that women who reported early onset vasomotor symptoms (VMS) and women who never had VMS had higher CVD mortality than women with later onset symptoms. Women with VMS before the age of 42 also had lower FMD than women with later onset symptoms, which according to the authors suggests adverse endothelial changes, as well as higher mortality from CVD. The study was published on September 26, 2016, in Menopause.

“Up to 80% of women experience menopausal symptoms, particularly hot flashes and night sweats, at some point during the menopause transition,” said lead author Professor Rebecca Thurston, PhD, of the Pitt School of Medicine. “We used to think these were annoying symptoms that persist for several years around the final menstrual period and simply affect the quality of life for many women. However, for some women, particularly for younger midlife women, menopausal symptoms might mark adverse changes in the blood vessels during midlife that place them at increased risk for heart disease.”

Menopause is the time in most women's lives when menstrual periods stop permanently, and they are no longer able to bear children. It typically occurs between 49 and 52 years of age. Before menopause, a woman's periods typically become irregular; during this time, women often experience hot flashes that last from 30 seconds to ten minutes and may be associated with shivering, sweating, reddening of the skin, vaginal dryness, trouble sleeping, and mood changes.

Related Links:
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Gold Member
STI Test
Vivalytic Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Array
Gold Member
Solid State Kv/Dose Multi-Sensor
AGMS-DM+
Silver Member
Wireless Mobile ECG Recorder
NR-1207-3/NR-1207-E
New
DR Flat Panel Detector
1500L

Print article

Channels

Critical Care

view channel
Image: Researchers have developed a novel risk score for cardiovascular complications after bone marrow transplant (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Tool Predicts Cardiovascular Risks after Bone Marrow Transplantation

Every year, thousands of people undergo bone marrow transplants to potentially cure serious diseases like leukemia, lymphoma, and immune deficiency disorders. While these transplants can be lifesaving,... Read more

Surgical Techniques

view channel
Image: The Early Bird Bleed Monitoring System provides visual and audible indicators of the onset and progression of bleeding events (Photo courtesy of Saranas)

Novel Technology Monitors and Lowers Bleeding Complications in Patients Undergoing Heart Procedures

Bleeding complications at the femoral access site can significantly hamper recovery, affecting the success of procedures, patient satisfaction, and overall healthcare costs. It is crucial for surgeons... Read more

Health IT

view channel
Image: First ever institution-specific model provides significant performance advantage over current population-derived models (Photo courtesy of Mount Sinai)

Machine Learning Model Improves Mortality Risk Prediction for Cardiac Surgery Patients

Machine learning algorithms have been deployed to create predictive models in various medical fields, with some demonstrating improved outcomes compared to their standard-of-care counterparts.... Read more

Point of Care

view channel
Image: The new eye-safe laser technology can diagnose traumatic brain injury (Photo courtesy of 123RF)

Novel Diagnostic Hand-Held Device Detects Known Biomarkers for Traumatic Brain Injury

The growing need for prompt and efficient diagnosis of traumatic brain injury (TBI), a major cause of mortality globally, has spurred the development of innovative diagnostic technologies.... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2024 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.