Comparison of blood pressure readings among premenopausal and postmenopausal women and evaluation of factors associated with hypertension in women

Abstract

Background: Hypertension is widely prevalent in postmenopausal women. Aim and Objectives: In our study, we aim to compare blood pressure (BP) readings among premenopausal and postmenopausal women and to assess the risk factors that lead to progression of hypertension. Materials and Methods: A prospective and observational cross-sectional study was conducted among 372 women of age ranging from 18 to 85 years using standard case record form containing woman’s demographic details, personal history, social and family history, BP readings, and comorbidities. Mean, standard deviation, unpaired t test, and Pearson correlation were used to analyze the data. Results: the prevalence of hypertension was observed more in postmenopausal women as compared to hypertension among premenopausal women. Prehypertension and hypertension were more prevalent in elderly women as compared to normotensives. Elevation of BP readings with increase in bodyweight and body mass index (BMI) was observed. Significant positive correlation (r = 0.42 systolic BP [SBP], r = 0.20 diastolic BP [DBP], P < 0.05] was observed between age and mean systolic and mean DBP. Positive correlation (r = 0.26 [SBP], r = 0.20 [DBP], P < 0.05) was also observed between BMI and mean systolic and mean DBP. Conclusion: Increase in age, weight, BMI, higher socioeconomic status, nonworking status, and poor educational status were found to be likely risk factors for the development of prehypertension and hypertension among study population. Educational interventional sessions should be provided to girls and women towards active lifestyles and healthy food habits, especially postmenopausal women, to reduce the burden of hypertension.