Cardiovascular disease risk in pre and postmenopausal women

Coronary heart disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. The present study aimed to compare cardiovascular risk factors: blood pressure, alterations in lipid profile and structural changes in heart in pre- and postmenopausal women. Method: It was a hospital based study including 41 women selected on basis of menstrual history. After taking detailed history, clinical examination was performed and fasting blood sample was collected for lipid profile and blood sugar estimation. Atherogenic indices like Castelli's Risk Index-I and II, Atherogenic Index of Plasma and Atherogenic Coefficient were calculated from lipid profile values. Cardiac evaluation was done by echocardiography. Results: A statistically significant increase in blood pressure in postmenopausal women was observed. A statistically significant increase was also noted in total cholesterol (p<0.0003), and Castelli Risk Index-II (p<0.04) n postmenopausal women. An increase in Interventricular Septal Thickness in diastole (p<0.0003), Aortic Diameter (p<0.01), Left Atrial Diameter (p<0.008) Relative Wall Thickness (p<0.005), Left Ventricular Mass p<0.004), and Left Ventricular Mass indexed to body Surface Area (p<0.002) and Height/sup 2.7/ (p<0.001). was also found to be statistically significant in post menopausal women. Conclusion: Menopause leads to dyslipidemia with atherogenic lipid profile with structural changes in left ventricle structure and mass. (author)