Morphological and functional changes of cardiovascular system in postmenopausal women.

Background: The incidence of cardiovascular events in reproductive age women is 3 times lower than in men, whereas this ratio noticeably changes on menopausal beginning. Postmenopausal women are more exposed to the effects of risk factors, which are present in a noticeably different entity in physiological or surgical menopause; and in the latter whether on substitutive hormonal treatment or not.

Methods: This study, carried out in Rome and Latina, has involved 743 postmenopausal women, of whom 545 with physiological menopause and 198 with iatrogenic menopause.

Results: The average blood pressure value as well as the incidence of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes mellitus, obesity and smoking have a significantly different trend in physiological versus iatrogenic postmenopausal women; and in the latter whether on substitutive hormonal treatment or not.

Conclusions: Studying life-style and evaluating risk factors in postmenopausal women, and giving an up-to-date view about the prevalence oh health conditions at risk, will allow us to promote both primary and secondary prevention actions.