Hot flashes . . . a sudden feeling of heat in the face, neck or chest are experienced by eighty percent of women during the menopause transition. However, for years, perhaps decades, hot flashes have been considered as a symptom that mainly affects quality of life for menopausal women without any other clinical significance. Recently this simplified premise has been challenged.
The presence of hot flashes is now being associated with an elevated cardiovascular risk profile. Higher total cholesterol levels, blood pressure and body mass index are more likely in menopausal women who experience (symptomatic) hot flashes when compared to women who do not (asymptomatic) experience hot flashes.
The study noted below found menopausal women with moderate/severe/very severe hot flashes had significant endothelial dysfunction, as shown by reduced brachial artery flow mediated dilation and greater aortic calcification when compared with menopausal women of similar age without hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms).
The endothelium is the extremely thin inner lining of the artery. The endothelium protects the artery, like a glove protects the hand from harsh elements. If the endothelium becomes damaged or dysfunctional the artery can become torn and inflamed. Such damage generates a type of cellular buildup which eventually hardens and reduces blood flow within the artery.
Of additional importance, this study demonstrated that HDL cholesterol levels were significantly lower in women with moderate/severe/very severe hot flashes when compared with women with no/mild hot flashes. HDL cholesterol transport fats (lipids) away from the arteries. HDL also possesses artery protecting antioxidant properties. Low circulating levels of HDL cholesterol indicate increased cardiovascular risk.
The severity of hot flashes is clinically significant and is viable indicator (prognostic value) of arterial function and health in menopausal and post menopausal women.
Information presented within this website Into The Heart. com relates how to maintain healthy HDL cholesterol and arteries.
Source:
Endothelial Function, But Not Carotid Intima-Media Thickness, Is Affected Early In Menopause and Is Associated with Severity of Hot Flushes.
Aris Bechliouis, Sophia N. Kalantaridou
J Clin Endocrinol Metab, March 2010, 95(3); 1199-1206
Comments