[Arterial hypertension in perimenopausal women]

The perimenopausal period is the time of important changes in endocrine function often accompanied by somatic and psychoemotional disturbances. The influence of menopause on dramatic increase of blood pressure especially in older women is not clearly established. It may be due to hypoestrogenism, obesity and hyperinsulinism present after menopause which cause endothelial dysfunction characterized by diminished synthesis of nitric oxide and prostacyclin and lack of restrain of synthesis of endothelin. As consequence there is prevalence of vasoconstrictive factors which promotes development of hypertension in this group of women. Arterial hypertension in perimenopausal women is becoming nowadays very important social problem for the sake of observed increasing percent of older patients and frequent cardiovascular complications accompanying this condition.