Menopause-related changes in lipoproteins and some other cardiovascular risk factors

Changes in lipids, lipoproteins and other cardiovascular risk factors associated with the occurrence of menopause have been examined in a cross-sectional study of 435 healthy white women, aged 45-54 years not using sex hormones. Univariate analysis showed that total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, apolipoprotein A1, apolipoprotein B, triglycerides, systolic blood pressure and fibrinogen were significantly higher in post menopausal women than in premenopausal women. High density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, diastolic blood pressure and blood glucose did not change with menopausal status. After controlling for the effects of confounding variables (age, body mass index and smoking status), total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein B and systolic blood pressure remained significantly increased in postmenopausal women as compared with premenopausal women. Our findings add to epidemiological evidence that menopause adversely affects the lipid and lipoprotein metabolism and thus, may increase the risk of coronary heart disease.