Cohort study, 2012
Does PMS affect how stiff arteries become and blood pressure?
Yes, women with PMS showed increased artery stiffness during the later cycle phases and menstruation. Women who reported PMS symptoms before menopause had higher rates of high blood pressure and stiffer arteries after menopause. The study does not prove PMS causes these changes.
What they did
A cohort study with two parts. First, 21 women with PMS and 15 without were measured during different menstrual cycle phases for artery stiffness, blood pressure, and other markers. Second, 156 postmenopausal women were asked about past PMS and checked for high blood pressure and artery stiffness.
What they found
In women with PMS, artery stiffness increased during the late cycle and menstruation (late follicular 6.48 m/s, luteal 7.1 m/s, menstruation 7.12 m/s; p = 0.003). Blood pressure peaked during menstruation. Postmenopausal women with 7 or more reported PMS symptoms had higher rates of high blood pressure (40.9% versus 20.9%; p = 0.041) and stiffer arteries (9.37 versus 8.64 m/s; p = 0.046).
What it means for you
PMS may be linked to temporary stiff arteries and blood pressure changes during the cycle. Women with PMS symptoms may have higher risk of high blood pressure and stiffer arteries later in life. The study showed correlation only, not that PMS causes these changes. Postmenopausal findings rely on women remembering past symptoms.
7.1 m/s
Artery stiffness in luteal phase (women with PMS)
40.9%
High blood pressure in postmenopausal women with 7+ PMS symptoms
20.9%
High blood pressure in postmenopausal women without PMS
About the study
- Original title
- Can premenstrual syndrome affect arterial stiffness or blood pressure?
- Authors
- Stamatelopoulos KS, Georgiopoulos G, Papaioannou T et al.
- Journal
- Atherosclerosis
- Year
- 2012
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 156
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2012.05.037
Topics
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