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Menopause is associated with endothelial dysfunction in women
S Taddei1, A Virdis, L Ghiadoni
1I Clinica Medica, University of Pisa (Italy).
Hypertension (Dallas, Tex. : 1979)
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Endogenous estrogens protect against age-related endothelial dysfunction, particularly before menopause. After menopause, women experience similar endothelial function decline as men, highlighting estrogen
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Endocrinology
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Endothelial function, crucial for vascular health, may be influenced by endogenous sex hormones.
- Menopause marks a significant hormonal shift, potentially impacting vascular endothelium-dependent vasodilation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of menopause on endothelium-dependent vasodilation in normotensive and hypertensive women.
- To evaluate the role of endogenous estrogens in modulating age-related changes in endothelial function.
Main Methods:
- Forearm blood flow was measured using strain-gauge plethysmography in normotensive and hypertensive subjects.
- Endothelium-dependent vasodilation was assessed using intrabrachial acetylcholine.
- Endothelium-independent vasodilation was evaluated with sodium nitroprusside.
Main Results:
- Hypertensive patients showed reduced acetylcholine response compared to normotensive subjects, but similar sodium nitroprusside response.
- Vasodilation to acetylcholine negatively correlated with age in both groups.
- Premenopausal women exhibited preserved endothelium-dependent vasodilation, which declined post-menopause, similar to men.
Conclusions:
- Endogenous estrogens appear to exert a protective effect on endothelial function, attenuating age-related decline in premenopausal women.
- Post-menopause, this protective effect diminishes, leading to age-related endothelial dysfunction comparable to that in men.
- Findings suggest a significant role for estrogen in maintaining vascular health throughout aging.