Contribution of environmental factors and female reproductive history to hypertension and obesity incidence in later life

Abstract

Background Hypertension (HT) and obesity, which are important risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, are complex traits determined by multiple biological and behavioural factors. However, the role of female reproductive history in evaluating HT and obesity is still unclear. Aim To investigate the long-term effects of reproductive factors on the probability of obesity and HT in later life after adjusting for socio-demographic and lifestyle behaviour factors. Subjects and methods A total of 503 women (39 − 65 years) were recruited from different localities in Slovakia. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to test the associations. Results Early menarche age of 11 years and under was associated with twice higher probability of obesity at midlife, independent of environmental confounders (OR = 2.27, CI = 1.35 − 3.81, p = 0.002). Breastfeeding (Bf) women had a lower likelihood of obesity in later life than non-Bf parous women, independent of environmental confounders (OR = 0.35, CI = 0.17 − 0.72, p = 0.004). Finally, age at menarche was associated with obesity-associated HT. Conclusion Reproductive factors are significantly associated with obesity and obesity-associated HT in later life. The age at menarche and Bf can be risk factors for early identification of women with increased likelihood of adult cardiovascular risk.