Frequency of Cardiometabolic Disorders in Pre- and Postmenopausal Women

Abstract

 Introduction: Cardiometabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in Serbia. In younger ages, the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases is higher in men than in women, but this advantage gradually disappears with aging, especially after menopause, when women are at a greater cardiovascular risk.

 Aim: The aim of our research was to point out the frequency of cardiometabolic disorders and their connection to hypertension in pre- and postmenopausal women.

 Materials and Methods: The study included 200 middle-aged women: 131 (65.5%) premenopausal women under 49 years of age and 69 (34.5%) postmenopausal women (50–59 years of age). These women attended a preventive medical examination at the community health center in Kosovo Mitrovica from September to December 2024.

 Results: Hypertension was statistically significantly more frequent in postmenopausal women (84.1%) compared to premenopausal women (p < 0.001). Postmenopausal women were also significantly more likely to have metabolic disorders, increased body weight, and obesity (66.7% of respondents) and a larger waist circumference (63.8% of respondents, p = 0.003). The levels of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and triglycerides were statistically significantly higher in postmenopausal women compared to premenopausal women (p = 0.002). Diabetes mellitus was statistically significantly more frequent in postmenopausal women, with a prevalence of 27% (p = 0.002). Most other biochemical variables were similar in both groups of respondents.

 Conclusion: Postmenopausal women were significantly more likely to have hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia, and type 2 diabetes mellitus. Therefore, preventive examinations for women in the perimenopausal and menopausal periods are necessary to timely recognize and treat cardiometabolic disorders and thus prevent more severe cardiovascular diseases.