Abstract 372: Association Between Vasomotor Symptoms And Arterial Stiffness Among Women In Menopausal Transition

Abstract

Obejectives: We examined the association between vasomotor symptoms (VMSs) and arterial stiffness, using brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV), among Korean women in menopausal transition. Study design: This cross-sectional study comprised 945 women aged 42-52 years. Methods: VMSs, including hot flashes and night sweats, were assessed using the Menopause-Specific Quality of Life questionnaire (Korean version). Moderate/severe VMSs were defined as having a score of equal to or greater than 3 points (range: 0 to 6, 6 being most bothersome). Arterial stiffness was measured by baPWV. The high-risk group was defined as baPWV over the 90th percentile. Multivariable logistic regression models were performed to determine whether prevalent VMSs were significantly associated with high level of baPWV in menopausal transitioning women. Results: Compared to women without VMSs, those with VMSs had a prevalence ratio (PR) of 2.12 (95% confidence interval (CI), 1.17-3.84) for high baPWV after adjusted for age, menopausal status, education levels, body mass index, total and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, diabetes, hypertension, physical activity, amount of alcohol intakes, and smoking status. The multivariable-adjusted PRs for high baPWV were 1.54 (95% CI: 0.73-3.23) and 2.72 (95% CI: 1.36-5.44) in women with mild and moderate/severe VMSs, respectively (P for trend = 0.005). Conclusion: Our findings suggest that VMSs, including moderate/severe VMSs, were significantly associated with arterial stiffness among Korean menopausal transitioning women.