To Study the Effect of Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle on ECG & Blood Pressure in Healthy Young Adult Females

Abstract

Menstruation coupled periodic bleeding from the blood vessels, at the time of shedding of the uterine mucosa has directed interest, more especially in the ECG changes & Blood Pressure changes during different phases of menstrual cycle. The aim of the present study was to compare and evaluate the changes in the ECG & BP measured during different phases of menstrual cycle. Variation in BP during different phases of menstrual cycle can also be attributed to the effect of ovarian hormones on cardiovascular function. Since the hormonal changes follow a non-linear trend throughout the menstrual cycle, it may have unpredicted effect on BP regulation. The present study was carried out on 50 healthy female students aged 17-22 years who had regular menstrual cycle of 30 ± 3 days. The electrocardiogram (ECG) recordings were taken on lead II for convenience during the different phases of the menstrual cycle (Phase I –days 1-5, Phase-II-days 9-12, Phase-III-days 1921) in female subjects & Blood Pressure was analyzed by means of Indirect method during three phases in females. Statistical analysis was done by ONEWAY-ANOVA test. The P wave amplitude, T-wave amplitude, QRS complex amplitude, QRS complex duration, PR interval, ST interval did not show any significant change during different phases of menstrual cycle, although some mild changes were observed which were statistically not significant. QT interval, RR interval has shown significant changes as longer QT interval observed in Phase-II(follicular Phase )& shorter during Phase-III (Luteal phase).The longer RR interval observed during Phase-III (luteal phase) & shorter during Phase-I (Menstrual Phase). HR was found higher in Phase-I (menstrual phase) & lower in Phase-III (luteal phase)in females. They did not show any significant changes in BP measurement taken during three phases. This study was a moderate attempt to determine regular variation in ECG & BP during the different phases of menstrual cycle in normal healthy females.