Diurnal blood pressure profile in women with disturbed estrogen secretion in reproductive age

Abstract

Background Cardiovascular diseases are the most common cause of death in postmenopausal women. The mechanisms of estrogen induced cardiovascular protection are still incompletely understood. Epidemiological data indicate increase with age in systolic and diastolic blood pressure especially in postmenopausal women. Clinical trials suggest important role of steroids in blood pressure regulation. There is still no answer if decreased estrogen production is the reason of increased blood pressure in women. The aim of our study was the assessment of systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate in women with decreased and increased estrogen secretion.

Material and methods The study was performed in 52 premenopausal women in the age range from 40 to 50 years. Group I consisted of 27 women with increased estrogen secretion not balanced with progestin (women with “hyperestrogenism”). Group II consisted with 25 women with chronic estrogen deficiency in reproductive age (women with “hypoestrogenism”). Control group consisted of 28 women in the age range from 40 to 50 years. 24-hour systolic, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were performed and statistically analyzed in studied groups.

Results Mean 24-hour SBP in women with hyperestrogenism was not significantly higher in comparison to control group (118 ± 13 mm Hg vs. 115 ± 8 mm Hg). Mean 24-hour SBP in women with hypoestrogenism was the same as in the control group (115 ± 8 mm Hg vs. 115 ± 13 mm Hg). There was no significant differences in diurnal DBP in group I in comparison to control group (75 ± 8 mm Hg vs. 74 ± 5 mm Hg). Daytime and nighttime SBP and DBP did not differ significantly and were similar in studied groups. Only nighttime HR in women with hyperestrogenism was significantly higher in comparison to control group (74 ± 6/min vs. 70 ± 5/min, p < 0,05)

Conclusion Estrogen secretion disturbances have no influence on blood pressure profile in premenopausal women.