Characterizing vascular and hormonal changes in women across the life span: a cross-sectional analysis
Megan M. Wenner, Ninette Shenouda, Leena N. Shoemaker, Andrew V. Kuczmarski, Katherine M. Haigh, Angelica Del Vecchio, Allyson I. Schwab, Shane J. McGinty, David G. Edwards, Ryan T. Pohlig, Virginia Nuckols, Lyndsey E. DuBose, Kerrie L. Moreau
Abstract
We demonstrate that the age at which endothelial function declines and aortic stiffness increases in healthy women is 47 and 48, respectively. The inflection point in flow-mediated dilation (FMD) is 6 yr earlier than previously reported, and the association between age and FMD was mediated by follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and progesterone (P 4 ) but not estradiol (E 2 ).
Topics & Concepts
Reactive hyperemiaMedicineBrachial arteryPulse wave velocityArterial stiffnessInternal medicineEndothelial dysfunctionHormoneCardiologyCross-sectional studyEndocrinologyPhysiologyBlood flowBlood pressurePathologyCardiovascular Health and Disease PreventionCerebrovascular and Carotid Artery Diseases