A STUDY OF ATHEROSCLEROTIC RISK FACTORS IN POSTMENOPAUSAL WOMEN

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Menopause is a normal ageing phenomenon in women. The risk of cardiovascular diseases gradually increases in postmenopausal women, which may be due to lower level of estrogen. Changes in lipoproteins have been associated with a 30% decline in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk. This study was designed to compare lipid profile between postmenopausal women and premenopausal women.
Methods: 72 apparently healthy women in the age group of 40-60 years who were attending the OPD of Shri B.M. Patil Medical College Bijapur were randomly selected for the study. They were divided into premenopausal (control) (n=36) and postmenopausal (study)(n=36) group depending upon attainment of menopause. Baseline characteristics such as age and weight were recorded. Total Cholesterol, Serum Triglycerides, Serum High Density Lipoprotein, and Serum Low Density Lipoprotein were estimated using enzymatic methods. Statistical analysis done by using SPSS version 9.0
Results: We found no significant statistical difference in baseline characteristics. Statistically significant higher values of TC, LDL-C, TG levels and statistically significant lower values of HDL cholesterol were found in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women.
Conclusion: Serum lipid profile changes to unfavorable lipid profile which is possibly mediated by changing hormonal status after menopause especially estrogen which has role in lipid metabolism, Thus dyslipidemia contributing to increase in cardiovascular disease after menopause.