Menopause and arterial stiffness index: insights from the women's UK Biobank cohort

Background

Menopause is a significant physiological transition characterized by hormonal changes that can influence cardiovascular health. One key concern is increased arterial stiffness, a predictor of cardiovascular disease and adverse cardiovascular events. However, the independent association between menopause and arterial stiffness, beyond traditional cardiovascular risk factors, remains unclear. This study investigates the relationship between menopause and arterial stiffness index in the women's UK Biobank cohort.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 52,891 women from the UK Biobank with measurements of arterial stiffness index. Arterial stiffness index was assessed using a non-invasive photoplethysmographic method. Multiple linear and logistic regression models were used to examine the association between menopause status and arterial stiffness index (continuous and cutoff>10 m/s), adjusting for age, body mass index, antihypertensive medication use, income, education, dyslipidemia, alcohol consumption, chronic kidney disease, smoking, diabetes, heart rate, mean blood pressure, hormone therapy, and previous cardiovascular disease.

Results

Postmenopausal women had significantly higher values of arterial stiffness index (9.10 ± 4.61 m/s) than premenopausal women (7.76 ± 2.72 m/s, p < 0.001). Menopause was independently associated with increased arterial stiffness index (B = 0.22, 95 % CI [0.16–0.28], p < 0.001) and a higher odds ratio for arterial stiffness index >10 m/s (OR = 1.41, 95 % CI [1.31–1.51], p < 0.001), after adjusting for confounders.

Conclusion

Menopause is significantly associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of traditional cardiovascular risk factors. These findings highlight menopause as a critical period for cardiovascular health assessment and prevention strategies.