Prevalence and risk factors of hypertension among pre- and post-menopausal women: A cross-sectional study in a rural area of northeast China

Abstract

ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to assess the prevalence and risk factors of hypertension in pre-menopausal women (Pre-MW) and post-menopausal women (Post-MW) and determine whether years since menopause (YSM) is associated with hypertension. MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 6324 women over 35 years of age (2616 Pre-MW and 3708 Post-MW). Questionnaires, measurements and blood biochemical indexes were collected. ResultsThe overall prevalence of hypertension among women in rural northeast China was 48.8%, and it increased with age. Post-MW had a higher prevalence of hypertension than Pre-MW (62.4% vs. 29.7%, P<0.01). After controlling for confounding variables, overweight (OR=1.97, 95% CI: 1.72–2.25), obesity (OR=2.97, 95% CI: 2.30–3.84), diabetes mellitus (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.73–2.62), high triglycerides (OR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.20–1.65), and history of cardiovascular diseases in first-degree relatives (OR=1.60, 95% CI: 1.42–1.81) were associated with hypertension in all participants. However, abdominal obesity (OR=1.29, 95% CI: 1.05–1.58) was associated with higher odds among Post-MW only. Hypertension was associated with being postmenopausal (OR=1.22; 95% CI: 1.03–1.46), and the risk of hypertension reached a peak level in the <5-year group (OR=1.29; 95% CI, 1.07–1.57). ConclusionsPostmenopausal status was an independent risk factor for hypertension. The risk of hypertension was highest in Post-MW with <5 YSM and then decreased. Other risk factors of hypertension were body mass index (BMI), abdominal obesity, a family history of cardiovascular disease among first-degree relatives, a personal history of diabetes, and high TG.