Menopause and accelerated aortic stiffness

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in women over the age of 50  years in most Western societies [1]. Although the risk of CVD increases with age in both sexes, the risk accelerates more sharply in postmenopausal women than in men [2,3]. This has led to the hypothesis that the menopausal transition may itself accelerate vascular aging, most notably through an increase in aortic stiffness [4]. An increase in aortic stiffness elevates left ventricular afterload, impedes normal coronary perfusion, and is an independent predictor of CVD morbidity and mortality [5–7].

Source: Maturitas - December 4, 2023 Category: Primary Care Authors: Sheila M. O'Neill, Catherine M. Travers, Petr Otahal, Soo-Keat Khoo, James E. Sharman Tags: Original article Source Type: research