A Cross-sectional Comparison Of Vascular Health Between Physically Active Pre- And Post- Menopausal Women.

Abstract

Following menopause, the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases increases significantly in women. The hormonal changes observed during the menopause transition, including the cessation of estrogen production by the ovaries, seems to accelerate arterial aging by decreasing vasoreactivity and increasing arterial stiffness. Physical activity is considered the most effective strategy to maintain optimal vascular health. For older men, research has demonstrated a positive influence of physical activity on markers of vascular health. However, in older women, the benefits of physical activity on vascular health are still unclear. PURPOSE: To determine if physically active post-menopausal women demonstrate preserved vascular health compared to physically active pre-menopausal women. METHODS: Five pre- (49 ± 3 years) and five post- (54 ± 2 years) menopausal healthy and active women were recruited. Blood pressure (24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring), physical activity levels (7-day accelerometry), vasoreactivity (brachial artery flow-mediated dilation) and central arterial stiffness (carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity) were compared between groups. RESULTS: Despite both groups being physically active (post: 708 ± 235 vs. pre: 445 ± 302 min/week, P=0.16), post-menopausal women tend to have greater 24-hour systolic blood pressure (125 ± 9 vs. 115 ± 8 mmHg, P=0.14). In contrast, vasoreactivity (post: 3.35 ± 3.68 vs. pre: 4.58 ± 1.40 %, P=0.62) and central arterial stiffness appear similar between groups (post: 7.19 ± 2.11 vs. pre: 6.84 ± 1.40 m/s, P=0.78). CONCLUSION: Physically active post-menopausal women tend to have greater systolic blood pressure compared to physically active pre-menopausal women, despite similar values of endothelial function and arterial stiffness. Grant fundings: Mirella and Lino Saputo Research Chair in Cardiovascular health and the prevention of cognitive decline; HABISAN (Handicap Biologie Santé) program, Regional council of Nouvelle Aquitaine