Menopause is defined as the permanent stopping of menstrual periods, making pregnancy no longer possible. It is considered reached only after a full year has passed without any bleeding, including spotting [1]. After menopause, significantly lower levels of the hormones estrogen and progesterone are produced by the ovaries. Due to this hormonal decrease, the risk of certain health issues is increased.
Arterial stiffness is a natural part of aging that happens to everyone. As people get older, the walls of the blood vessels change and lose their flexibility.
What is the average age of menopause?
The timing of menopause varies from woman to woman, but it typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55 worldwide. On average, women in developed countries reach menopause around 51 years old, while in developing countries, it tends to happen earlier, usually between 43 and 49 years [2].
What happens during menopause?
During menopause, most women go through a variety of physical and emotional changes, with some experiencing symptoms that are severe and persist for years. One of the most common and disruptive issues is vasomotor symptoms, which include sudden hot flashes and intense night sweats. These affect over 80% of women and can interfere with daily activities and sleep quality. The unpredictability of hot flashes can be particularly challenging, causing discomfort and embarrassment in social and professional settings.
Beyond vasomotor symptoms, many women also struggle with sleep disturbances, which can lead to chronic fatigue and reduced energy levels. Mood swings, feelings of sadness, heightened anxiety, and brain fog—often described as difficulty concentrating or remembering things—are also common. Additionally, some women notice a decrease in libido and changes in their overall emotional well-being. However, the severity, duration, and combination of these symptoms vary from person to person, making each woman’s menopausal journey unique [3].
The relationship between menopause & arterial stiffness
The risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases with age for both men and women. However, for women, this risk accelerates after menopause. Changes in the body during this time may lead to stiffer blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of cardiovascular issues later in life.
During the years surrounding menopause, blood vessels undergo noticeable changes. The walls of the arteries become thicker and lose some of their ability to expand and contract efficiently. This process, known as arterial stiffness, makes it harder for blood to flow smoothly and can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
Women going through menopause tend to have stiffer arteries compared to those who have not yet reached this stage. This suggests that menopause itself may play a role in these vascular changes, beyond just the natural aging process.
Other factors associated with menopause can further increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, including:
- Increased belly fat
- Higher cholesterol levels
- Changes in hormones such as estrogen and FSH, which help regulate various body functions before menopause
Additionally, differences in arterial stiffness have been observed among racial groups, with some women experiencing greater changes than others, indicating that race may also be a factor in cardiovascular health risks [4].
Menopause & Arterial Stiffness: Checking Women’s Cardiovascular Health:
Regular monitoring of arterial stiffness is essential for detecting early signs of cardiovascular disease, particularly in postmenopausal women. Menopause leads to hormonal changes that negatively impact cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of hypertension and vascular complications.
Key Factors Contributing to Cardiovascular Risk in Menopause:
- Decline in Estrogen Levels: Reduces its protective effects on blood vessels [5].
- Endothelial Dysfunction: Leads to impaired vascular function and increased arterial stiffness [6].
- Elevated Blood Pressure: Increases the likelihood of developing hypertension and heart disease [7].
Importance of Regular Monitoring:
- Routine assessments of arterial stiffness and blood pressure help in early detection of cardiovascular issues.
- Identifying vascular changes early allows for timely preventive interventions.
Effective Preventive Strategies:
Lifestyle Modifications: Adopting healthy habits, including proper diet and regular exercise.
Exercise Interventions: Functional Fitness & High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT):
- Activities like stair climbing significantly reduce arterial stiffness.
- Improves systolic and diastolic blood pressure in postmenopausal women with stage 2 hypertension.
- Increases leg strength, counteracting menopause-related muscular decline [8].
By incorporating routine cardiovascular assessments and targeted lifestyle interventions, women can reduce their risk of serious heart conditions. Prioritizing cardiovascular health in middle age can lead to a healthier and more active future.
Arteriograph: A Key Tool for Measuring Arterial Stiffness
The Arteriograph is a valuable, non-invasive tool for assessing arterial stiffness, particularly in postmenopausal women at increased cardiovascular risk. By measuring pulse wave velocity (PWV) and central blood pressure, it enables early detection of vascular changes. Integrating the Arteriograph into routine screenings can enhance preventive strategies, supporting lifestyle interventions like functional fitness and HIIT to mitigate menopause-related cardiovascular decline.
Contact us to get answers to any questions you may have or to get a quote for the Arteriograph set.