Cardiovascular Risk Factors In Women Research Articles

Peripheral Arterial Disease in Diabetes and its Relation to Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women

Objectives: Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is characterized by occlusive disease in the abdominal aorta, iliac, and femoral arteries, leading to reduced blood flow and complications. Diabetes mellitus (DM) is known to contribute to the development and progression of PAD due to factors such as hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and inflammation. However, PAD may be underdiagnosed in women with DM, leading to adverse cardiovascular outcomes. The present study aimed to investigate the prevalence of PAD in women with type 2 DM (T2DM) and its relationship with cardiovascular risk factors. Materials and Methods: This hospital-based, cross-sectional, and observational study was conducted for a period of 3 months from June 10, 2023, to September 10, 2023, in the outpatient department of general medicine. After obtaining the approval from the Institutional Ethical Committee, the study was performed according to the Declarations of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice requirements for human subject protection. Non-probability purposive sampling technique was used to enroll participants. Participants underwent face-to-face interviews and clinical examinations. Sociodemographic data, medical history, and pharmacotherapy details were collected. Laboratory investigations were conducted, including blood glucose, lipid profile, and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) tests. The ankle-brachial index (ABI) was measured. Results: The results showed that the majority of the participants were between 50 and 70 years of age, married, and had a high school education. Participants had an average body mass index (BMI) indicating overweight, and the average duration of diabetes was 6.571 years. Hypertension was the most prevalent comorbidity. Overweight, obesity I, and obesity II were present in 15.25% (n = 19), 33.6% (n = 42), and 8.8% (n = 11), respectively. Average values for HbA1C, fasting blood glucose (FBG), and postprandial blood glucose (PPBG) were within the diabetic range. ABI was normal in the right side, left side, and bilateral in 43.2%, 56%, and 14.4% of participants, respectively. ABI was borderline on the right side, left side, and bilateral in 40.8%, 36.8%, and 22.4% of participants, respectively. PAD was observed on the right side, left side, and bilateral in 16%, 7.2%, and 4% of participants, respectively. BMI, duration of DM, glycosylated hemoglobin, FBG, and PPBG showed significant negative correlations with ABI. Age, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein did not show any statistically significant correlation with ABI. Conclusion: The study highlighted the importance of screening for PAD in women with T2DM to improve cardiovascular outcomes. The findings shed light on the prevalence of risk factors for PAD and their association with the disease. These insights can contribute to the development of targeted interventions to reduce adverse clinical outcomes in this population.

Early Postpartum Blood Pressure Screening is Associated with Increased Detection of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, are risk factors for cardiovascular (CV) disease. Guidelines recommend that women with HDP be screened for the development of hypertension (HTN) within 6-12 months postpartum. However, the extent to which this early blood pressure (BP) screening is being performed and the impact on detection of CV risk factors is unknown. Women with HDP and without pre-existing hypertension (HTN) who had at least 6 months of clinical follow-up were categorized by postpartum BP screening status: early BP screen (6-12 months after delivery) or late BP screen (≥12 months after delivery). Multivariable logistic regression identified factors associated with early screening. Multivariable Cox proportional hazards modeling examined the association between early screening and detection of incident CV risk factors: HTN, prediabetes, diabetes mellitus type 2, or hyperlipidemia. Among 4194 women with HDP, 1172 (28%) received early BP screening. Older age, pre-existing hyperlipidemia, diabetes, sickle cell disease, hypothyroidism, gestational diabetes, and delivery during or after 2014 were independently associated with early BP screening, whereas Hispanic ethnicity was associated with late BP screening. Early BP screening was most commonly performed at a primary care visit. After a median follow-up of 3.7 years, 1012 (24%) women had at least one new risk factor detected. Even after adjustment for baseline risk, women receiving early BP screening had a significantly higher rate of incident CV risk factor detection than women receiving late BP screening (56% vs 28%; adj. HR 2.70, 95% CI: 2.33-3.23, p<0.001). Early postpartum BP screening was performed in a minority of women with HDP, but was associated with greater detection of CV risk factors. More intensive postpartum CV screening and targeted interventions are needed to optimize CV health in this high-risk population of women with HDP.

Clinical characteristics and degree of cardiovascular risk factor control in patients with newly-diagnosed type 2 diabetes in Catalonia.

Women with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) face a greater risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and encounter challenges in managing cardiovascular risk factors (CVRF); however, limited data are available in individuals with newlydiagnosed T2DM. This study aimed to examine differences between women and men at the onset of T2DM in terms of clinical characteristics, glycaemic status, and CVRF management. This was a retrospective cohort study including subjects with newly-diagnosed T2DM from the System for the Development of Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) database in Catalonia (Spain). Sex differences (Dif) were assessed at baseline and 1-year post-diagnosis, by calculating the absolute difference of means or proportions. A total of 13,629 subjects with newly-diagnosed T2DM were analyzed. Women were older and had a higher BMI than men. At baseline, women had higher total cholesterol [Dif (95%CI) 10 mg/dL (9.1/10.8)] and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c) [Dif (95%CI) 7 mg/dL (6.3/7.7)], while men had higher rates of smoking and alcohol intake. Lipid target achievement was lower in women, in both primary prevention (LDL-c < 100 mg/dL) [Dif (95%CI) -7.3 mg/dL (-10.5/-4.1)] and secondary prevention (LDL-c < 70 mg/dL) [Dif (95%CI) -8.3 mg/dL (-17.3/0.7)], along with lower statin and antiplatelet prescriptions, especially one year after diagnosis. Changes in clinical and laboratory data one year post-diagnosis revealed that, in the primary prevention group, men experienced greater improvements in total cholesterol, LDL-c and triglycerides, while women had less success in achieving CVRF control targets compared to men. Additionally, cardiovascular events, such as coronary artery disease and peripheral artery disease increased more in men than in women within the first year of diagnosis, especially in primary prevention subjects. Differences between men and women CVRF are already apparent at the onset of T2DM, particularly in primary prevention, with notable differences in lipid profile and target level attainment.

Impact of aerobic exercise training and garlic consumption on fatigue and cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis

This study aimed to investigate the effect of aerobic exercise and garlic supplementation on fatigue and cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Twenty-eight patients who fulfilled the European League Against Rheumatism- American College of Rheumatology (EULAR-ACR) criteria for RA were assigned to three groups, exercise + placebo (E+P) (n = 6), exercise + garlic supplement 500 mg twice/day (E+G), (n = 11) and garlic supplement 500 mg twice/day (G), (n = 11) for 8 weeks. The training program consisted of working on an ergometer 3 sessions/week with a heart rate equal to 60% of VO2max and gradual overload. The outcomes of this study were a comparison of changes in the mean value of the fatigue assessment questionnaire score (FSI), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. For data analysis, paired t-tests and ANCOVA were used using SPSS software (P ≤ 0.05). The results of the paired t-test showed that after the intervention, the levels of fatigue decreased in the E+G (P = 0.025) as well as in the G (P = 0.002), while it did not change in the E+P (P = 0.151). Additionally, the amount of cholesterol did not change in any of the study groups, and the amount of LDL decreased only in E+G (p=0.028). Furthermore, ANCOVA analysis showed that, there is no significant difference between the study groups in the levels of fatigue (P = 0.962), cholesterol (P = 0.922) and LDL (P = 0.626) after the intervention. According to the results, aerobic exercise and the consumption of garlic can be effective in reducing fatigue and the risk factors of cardiovascular.

Assessment of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women Having Female Pattern Hair Loss.

Many studies have associated male androgenetic alopecia with the risk of cardiovascular disorders but very few studies have addressed this association in women with FPHL. This was a cross-sectional hospital-based study in which a total of 50 women (18-45 years) were recruited. The objective was to measure carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) by doppler ultrasound, Body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, fasting blood sugar (FBS), insulin, testosterone, Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), hs-CRP, ESR and fibrinogen, in pre-menopausal women having FPHL and to correlate these parameters with severity of FPHL. The prevalence of Metabolic syndrome (MetS) and Insulin resistance were evaluated. Metabolic syndrome and insulin resistance were found in 12 (24%) and 17 (34%) cases respectively. Hypercholesterolemia, elevated LDL levels and hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL levels and hyperinsulinemia were found in 11 (22%), 31 (62%), 9 (18%), 17 (34%) and 7 (14%) cases respectively. 8 (16%) cases were diabetics. Elevated ESR, increased fibrinogen levels and elevated hs-CRP were found in 43 (86%), 10 (20%) and 21 (42%) cases respectively. CIMT was found to be within its normal range. Correlation of CIMT, anthropometric indices (BMI and WC), biochemical markers (serum cholesterol, triglycerides, FBS, and fibrinogen), and presence of metabolic syndrome with severity of FPHL in terms of Ludwig grade was found to be statistically significant. The determination of metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance and acute phase reactants such as hs-CRP and fibrinogen may be useful screening methods to detect increased cardiovascular risk in women with FPHL.

Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Long-term Risk of Ischemic Heart Disease in Mothers: National Cohort and Co-sibling Study

(BMJ. 2023;380:e072112) The leading cause of mortality among women globally is cardiovascular disease, and adverse perinatal outcomes have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. Despite this association, adverse perinatal outcomes are often overlooked as cardiovascular risk factors in women. The aim of this study is to determine associations between adverse pregnancy outcomes (ie, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery, small for gestational age, and other hypertensive disorders of pregnancy) and the long-term risk of ischemic heart disease.

Abstract 16496: Future Hypertension Risk Among a Peripartum Cardiomyopathy Cohort From Kaiser Permanente Northern California

Introduction: Women have unique sex-specific risk factors related to pregnancy and reproduction that are increasingly recognized as risk-enhancing factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). While studies have established hypertensive disorders of pregnancy as a risk factor for long-term maternal CVD and mortality, the long-term cardiovascular sequelae following peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) are not as well established. Aims: To determine whether the occurrence of PPCM increases later risk of hypertension. Methods: Retrospective case-control study of pregnant patients identified within a Kaiser Permanente Northern California (KPNC) cohort of women with and without peripartum cardiomyopathy between 1998-2004, with up to 23 years follow up. Results: We identified 62 PPCM cases, matched by age, delivery year, gestational age, pre-existing hypertension, hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and hyperlipidemia to a control group of women without PPCM (Table 1). There was a statistically significant greater odds of incident essential hypertension among those with PPCM, 58.1% compared to 20.4% of matched controls, OR 5.39 (95%CI: 2.9, 10.02) at a mean 11 years of follow-up. Conclusion: In the KPNC cohort, PPCM was a predictor for the development of essential hypertension later in life.*P&lt;0.0001Table 1. Baseline demographic and cardiovascular risk factors for women with peripartum cardiomyopathy compared to a matched cohort. Unless otherwise specified, numbers shown represent frequency (percentage of total).

Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Culprit Plaque Characteristics in Women With Acute Coronary Syndromes

Outcomes after myocardial infarction in women remain poor. The number of cardiovascular risk factors in women increase with age, however the relation between risk factors and culprit plaque characteristics in this population is poorly understood. The aim of the study was to investigate the relation between risk factors and culprit plaque characteristics in women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). A total of 382 women who presented with ACS and underwent pre-intervention optical coherence tomography imaging of the culprit lesion were included in this analysis. The culprit plaques were categorized as plaque rupture, plaque erosion or calcified plaque, and then stratified by age and risk factors. The predominant pathology of ACS was plaque erosion in young patients (<60years), which decreased with age (p <0.001). Current smokers had a high prevalence of plaque rupture (60%) and lipid plaque (79%). Women with diabetes tended to have more lipid plaque (70%) even at a young age. In women with hyperlipidemia, the prevalence of lipid plaques was modest in younger ages, but rose gradually with age (p <0.001). An increasing age trend for lipid plaque was also observed in women with hypertension (p=0.03) and current smokers (p=0.01). In conclusion, early treatment of risk factors such as diabetes in young women might be important before accelerated progression of atherosclerosis begins as age advances. Clinical trial registration: http://www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT01110538, NCT03479723 and NCT02041650.

The effect of propolis supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis: A double-blind, placebo, controlled randomized clinical trial.

Propolis has gained popularity in recent years because of its beneficial properties, which make it a possible preventative and therapeutic agent as well as a valuable food and cosmetic ingredient. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of propolis supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in women with rheumatoid arthritis. This randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed among 48 patients diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Subjects were randomly assigned to placebo and intervention groups, supplemented with 1000 mg/day of propolis for 12 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors including, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), Nitric oxide, blood pressure, and lipid profile were assessed pre-and post-intervention. The atherogenic index of plasma value, as well as total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios, were significantly reduced in the intervention group, compared with the placebo group post-intervention (p < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in the serum level of hs-CRP in the intervention group when compared with the placebo group (p = 0.001). Furthermore, propolis supplementation could marginally reduce MCP-1 (p = 0.051). These data indicate that propolis supplementation may be a promising treatment strategy for cardiovascular complications among rheumatoid arthritis patients.

Failure to control conventional cardiovascular risk factors in women with type 2 diabetes might explain worse mortality.

The standardised mortality rate (SMR) for people with diabetes in England is 1.5-1.7, with differences in outcomes between sexes. There has been little work examining the factors that could have an impact on this or on what may determine sex differences in outcome. Data were extracted for patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) in Salford (England) in 2010 for the years up to 2020, including any deaths recorded. Expected deaths were calculated from annual Office of National Statistics mortality rate and life expectancy by age and gender, adjusted for the local Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD). This provided the SMR deprivation (SMRd), and life expectancy years lost per death (LEYLD). The effects of treatment type, and clinical features on SMRd relative to sex were examined by univariable and multivariable analysis. Data from n=11,806 (F=5184; M=6622) patients were included. Of these, n=5540 were newly diagnosed and n=3921 died (F=1841; M=2080). In total, n=78,930 patient years. The expected deaths numbered n=2596 (adjusted for age, sex, and IMD). Excess deaths were n=1325 (F=689; M=636). Life expectancy years lost (LEYL) 18,989 (F=9714; M=9275). SMRd 1.51 (F=1.60; M=1.44) and LEYLD 4.84years (F=5.28; M=4.46). The impact of risk factors was not different by sex. However, women had higher prevalence of % diagnosed >65years of age; % last eGFR <60mLs/min/1.73m2 , and lower prevalence of % prescribed ACE-inhibitor/ARB, DPP4-inhibitor and SGLT2-inhibitor. Applying the male prevalence rate to the female population and expected mortality suggested n=437 (55%) of excess T2D female deaths were attributed to sex difference in the prevalence of these risk and protective factors. Outcomes in women with T2DM are worse than in men, contributed to by greater prevalence of adverse factors and less prescribing of cardioprotective medication.

The association of breast feeding for at least six months with hemodynamic and metabolic health of women and their children aged three years: an observational cohort study

BackgroundBreastfeeding is important for both mother and child in reducing risk of future cardiovascular disease. Therefore, it may be an effective method to improve cardio-metabolic health, particularly those who are exposed to pregnancy complications which increase later CVD risk for both mother and child. The aim of this study is to assess differences in cardiometabolic health at three years postpartum in mothers who breastfed for at least six months and their children compared to those who did not.MethodsWomen and children from the Screening Tests to Predict Poor Outcomes of Pregnancy (STOP) study (2015–2017) were invited to attend a health check-up at three years postpartum. Women’s breastfeeding status at least six months postpartum was ascertained through their child health record. Anthropometric and hemodynamic measurements were taken from women and their children. A fasting blood sample was taken from women to measure blood glucose and lipids.ResultsA total of 160 woman-child dyads were assessed in this study. Women who breastfed for at least six months had significantly lower maternal BMI, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure, central systolic blood pressure, and central diastolic blood pressure than those who did not and this did not change after adjusting for BMI and socioeconomic index in early pregnancy, prenatal smoking and maternal age in early pregnancy. Subgroup analysis on women who had one or more pregnancy complications during the index pregnancy (i.e. preeclampsia, gestational hypertension, delivery of a small for gestational age infant, delivery of a preterm infant, and/or gestational diabetes mellitus) demonstrated that women who breastfed for at least six months had significantly lower maternal systolic and diastolic blood pressures, serum insulin and triglycerides, and higher HDL cholesterol. There were no differences in child anthropometric or hemodynamic variables at three years of age between those children who had been breastfed for at least six months and those who had not.ConclusionBreastfeeding for at least six months may reduce some maternal; cardiovascular risk factors in women at three years postpartum, in particular, in those who have experienced a complication of pregnancy.Trial registrationACTRN12614000985684 (12/09/2014).

P13-035-23 Ultra-Processed Foods and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women With Breast Cancer Living in a Mediterranean Area: A Baseline Cross-Sectional Analysis of DEDiCa Trial

P13-035-23 Ultra-Processed Foods and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women With Breast Cancer Living in a Mediterranean Area: A Baseline Cross-Sectional Analysis of DEDiCa Trial

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN WOMEN ACCORDING TO CARDIOVASCULAR RISK FACTORS AND ANTIHYPERTENSIVE TREATMENT: THE IMPORTANCE OF DETECTION

Objective: To evaluate the relationship between the presence of high blood pressure in a group of Mexican women, according to cardiovascular risk factors and antihypertensive treatment. Design and method: We analyzed the data of 341 women, &gt; 18 years, with multiple risk factors, who attended cardiovascular imaging department. Cardiovascular risk factors and antihypertensive treatment were analyzed. Hypertension was classified according to the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Guidelines (SBP &gt;140 mmHg and DBP &gt; 90 mmHg). Statistical analysis: SPSS v23; descriptive and comparative analysis with chi-square, confidence level 95%. Results: Mean age 58±15.6; Cardiovascular risk factors: hypertension 201 (58.9%), diabetes126 (37%), 136 (40%) dyslipidemia, tobacco use 97 (27.8%), chronic kidney disease 63 (18.5%); 248 (72.7%) were menopausal. A total of 198 (58.1%) patients with hypertension were on pharmacological treatment: 88 (44.5%) with monotherapy, 85 (42.9%) on dual therapy, and 25 (12.6%) with multiple therapies; (46.4%) were non-controlled. There were 143 (41.9%) patients, that were detected and classified as hypertensive according to European Society of Hypertension guidelines: Grade 1 88 (61.5%), Grade 2, 22 (15.38%), Grade 3, 6 (4.1%). A relationship between hypertensive women, kidney disease (47.6%, p = 0.001), and menopause was found (37.9%, p: 0.039). Conclusions: Hypertension is an important cardiovascular risk factor in women. Most are associated with others risk factors; more than fifty percent were on multiple therapy and uncontrolled. It is necessary to optimize antihypertensive treatment to improve hypertension control, especially in postmenopausal women and with kidney disease. Screening also must be improved to prevent future complications.

A Review of Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with Psychosis

The presence of medical comorbidities in women with psychotic disorders can lead to poor medical and psychiatric outcomes. Of all comorbidities, cardiovascular disease is the most frequent, and the one most likely to cause early death. We set out to review the evidence for cardiovascular risk factors (CRFs) in women with schizophrenia-related disorders and for interventions commonly used to reduce CRFs. Electronic searches were conducted on PubMed and Scopus databases (2017–2022) to identify papers relevant to our aims. A total of 17 studies fulfilled our inclusion criteria. We found that CRFs were prevalent in psychotic disorders, the majority attributable to patient lifestyle behaviors. We found some inconsistencies across studies with regard to gender differences in metabolic disturbances in first episode psychosis, but general agreement that CRFs increase at the time of menopause in women with psychotic disorders. Primary care services emerge as the best settings in which to detect CRFs and plan successive intervention strategies as women age. Negative symptoms (apathy, avolition, social withdrawal) need to be targeted and smoking cessation, a heart-healthy diet, physical activity, and regular sleep routines need to be actively promoted. The goal of healthier hearts for women with psychotic disorders may be difficult, but it is achievable.

Cardiometabolic profile in women after pregnancy hypertension: propency score matching

Оbjective: to assess the cardiometabolic profile and cardiovascular risk factors in women with a history of hypertension during pregnancy. Materials and methods: a case-control observational study based on a prospective cohort study included 66 women, divided into two groups: group 1 — with a history of hypertension during pregnancy (n=33), and group 2 (control) — with a history of normotensive pregnancy (n=33). We applied the propensity score -matching method. Results: women in group 1 women were more often had hypertension and obesity compared with the control group. The most significant changes in the cardiometabolic profile were found in group 1: the highest concentrations of glucose and immunoreactive insulin, glycated hemoglobin, uric acid, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, C-reactive protein in serum, and HOMA-IR insulin resistance index. An increased left ventricular (LV) mass index and the urine albumin/ creatinine ratio were higher among women in group 1 compared with group 2. Conclusion: after applying the propensity score matching, the most significant differences were obtained in the frequency of hypertension, serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase, C-reactive protein, and the frequency of elevated albumin/creatinine ratio.

The Hypertriglyceridemic Waist Phenotype Is Associated with Several Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with Rheumatoid Arthritis.

To evaluate the association of HTWP with CVRF in RA. Cross-sectional study. Women (125) with RA were included (ACR, 1987). Anthropometry, bioimpedance, body mass index (BMI), disease activity score 28 (DAS28), and health assessment questionnaire disability index (HAQ-Di) were determined. The lipid profile determination includes the atherogenic index (AI) (TC/HDL) and Framingham Risk Score. HTWP is defined as a waist circumference ≥88 cm and triglycerides ≥ 150 mg/dL. Chi-squared and Student's t-tests were applied for comparisons. HTWP was found in 38 (30.4%) patients. The subgroup with HTWP had a greater frequency of arterial hypertension (AHT) (57.9 vs. 37.9, p = 0.04), Type 2 DM (23.7 vs. 8.0, p= 0.02), BMI (29.7 ± 3.2, vs. 26.8 ± 4.3, p < 0.001), fat mass (39.3 ± 4.8 vs. 34.7 ± 6.8, p < 0.001), and AI (4.7 ± 1.2 vs. 3.7 ± 1.0, p < 0.001). No differences between DAS28 and HAQ-Di were found. HTWP was associated with the presence of MetS and CVR (p < 0.001 and p = 0.012, respectively). The HTWP in RA is associated with CVRF, and its potential predictive role should be evaluated in longitudinal studies.

Effects of eight-week aerobic exercises combined with resistance training on cardiovascular risk factors in women

Abstract Study aim: Main purpose of this study is to examine the effects of moderate-intensity exercises for eight weeks, combined with cardio and resistance exercises, on the cardiovascular risk factors for women. Material and methods:Atotal of 30 volunteer females between the ages of 40 and 65 participated in the study. The volunteers were divided into two groups as exercise and control. The exercise group was given exercises three days aweek. Height, weight, body mass index, waist, hip, waist-to-hip ratio, resting blood pressure, resting heart rate, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein, glucose levels were collected before and after the exercise program. Results: There was asignificant decrease in weight, body mass index, hip circumference levels after the exercise program (p &lt; 0.05), while no significant difference was detected for waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratios p &gt; 0.05). While asignificant decrease in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and triglycerides levels of the exercise group was observed after the exercise program (p &lt; 0.05), no significant change was found in glucose, cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein levels (p &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: It was observed that moderate intensity exercises combined with cardio and resistance exercises resulted with positive effects on cardiovascular risk factors.

Early identification and treatment of women's cardiovascular risk factors prevents cardiovascular disease, saves lives, and protects future generations: Policy recommendations and take action plan utilizing policy levers.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) including heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, and uncontrolled hypertension are leading causes of death among women of all ages. Despite efforts to increase awareness about CVD among women, over the past decade there has been stagnation in the reduction of CVD in women, and CVD among younger women and women of color has in fact increased. We recommend taking action using policy levers to address CVD in women including: (1)Promoting periodic screening for risk factors including blood pressure, lipids/cholesterol, diabetes for all women starting at 18-21 years, with calculated atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk score use among women 40 years or older. (2)Considering coronary artery calcium (CAC) screening for those with intermediate risk per current guidelines. (3)Enhancing Obstetrics and Gynecologyand primary care physician education on reproductive age CVD risk markers, and that follow-up is needed, including extended postpartum follow-up. (4)Offering Health Coaching/motivational Interviewing to support behavior change. (5)Funding demonstration projects using different care models. (6)Creating a Stop High Blood Pressure consult line (for providers and patients) and providing other support resources with actions consumers can take, modeled after the California tobacco quit line. And (7)Requiring inclusion of adverse pregnancy outcomes in all Electronic Health Records, with reminder systems to follow-up on hypertension post-partum.

Sleep disturbances, sleep quality, and cardiovascular risk factors in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives(1) To establish the prevalence of sleep disorders in women with PCOS. (2) To establish the association between sleep disturbance and cardiovascular risk factors in women with PCOS.MethodsThe electronic databases PubMed and EMBASE were searched for observational studies of individuals with PCOS published in English from inception to 21 October 2021. The dichotomous outcome measure was presented as odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). The mean difference (MD) in continuous variables was expressed for each study.ResultsA total of 18 articles were included in this meta-analysis, with a total of 16,152 participants from nine different countries. Women with PCOS had a high prevalence of sleep disturbance (OR = 6.22; 95% CI: 2.77, 13.97; p < 0.001), higher PSQI scores (MD = 2.10; 95% CI: 0.29, 3.90; p = 0.02), and shorter duration of sleep (MD = −15.65 min; 95% CI: −27.18, −4.13; p = 0.008). We found that body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), fasting glucose, 2-h glucose, and waist circumference (WC) levels were significantly higher and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c) was significantly lower in PCOS with sleep disturbance than in PCOS without sleep disturbance.ConclusionsThe current study shows a high prevalence of sleep disturbance in women with PCOS and provides evidence of an association between cardiovascular risk factors and sleep disturbance among this population. Increased attention should be paid to sleep management in clinical guidelines for PCOS. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/, identifier CRD42022298040.

Physical activity on cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk in premenopausal and postmenopausal women: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials.

The apparent cardioprotective effects of endogenous estrogens to prevent cardiovascular disease in premenopausal women are reduced with the loss of estrogen post-menopause. Cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors are closely related to physical activity levels. This study conducted a critical assessment of studies for health prevention that analyze the effects of physical activity programs on cardiorespiratory fitness and cardiovascular risk factors in women, comparing premenopausal and postmenopausal states, through a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. A computerized literature search was performed to include articles up until December 2021 in the following online databases: PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus, SportDiscus, and Web of Science. Regarding physical activity intervention, women of all ages were engaged. The PEDro scale and Oxford's evidence levels were used for the assessment of the risk of bias in the included articles. Fourteen scientific articles met the inclusion criteria. Great variability was found in physical activity variables. All the studies found an improvement in at least one variable. The risk of bias was high, with all the articles obtaining a low methodological quality, except two with high methodological quality. Only one article considered the differences in the menopausal state observing the effects of physical activity intervention and highlighting the importance of physical activity in both states. To strengthen the evidence for the benefits of physical activity programs in women and to observe the effects depending on their menopausal state, there is an ongoing need for more rigorous randomized controlled trials of appropriate length and dose, with individualized exercise intensity.