BMI AND BLOOD PRESSURE IN WOMEN DURING MENOPAUSAL TRANSITION

Abstract

The menopausal transition in women represents a period marked by significant hormonal and metabolic changes, which can have a profound impact on cardiovascular health. Particular concern arises from the increase in arterial blood pressure and body weight, which are key risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Given the rising prevalence of hypertension and obesity among middle-aged and older women, it is important to explore the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and arterial blood pressure.
Research Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the association between body mass index and systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in women aged 45 and older attending the Department of Gynecology at the Cazin Health Center. Special emphasis was placed on the changes occurring during the menopausal transition and their potential contribution to the development of hypertension.
Materials and Methods: A prospective cross-sectional study was conducted from January 1st to September 1st, 2025, involving a total of 554 women aged over 45. Participants were grouped into five BMI categories based on a modified WHO classification: severely underweight (BMI < 18.1 kg/m²), underweight (18.1–21.4 kg/m²), normal weight (21.5–25.6 kg/m²), overweight (25.7–30.5 kg/m²), and obese (> 30.0 kg/m²). Data were statistically analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 27, employing both descriptive and inferential statistical methods. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the means between groups, and a significance level of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results and Discussion: The results showed a clear upward trend in arterial pressure with increasing BMI. The highest mean systolic blood pressure (151.60±16.41 mmHg) and diastolic pressure (95.38±10.87 mmHg) were observed in women with a BMI >30.5 kg/m². In contrast, the lowest blood pressure values were recorded in groups with BMI below 21.5 kg/m². One-way ANOVA analysis demonstrated a statistically significant difference between the groups for both systolic (F=25.598; p=0.000) and diastolic blood pressure (F=27.264; p=0.000), confirming a strong association between increased body weight and elevated blood pressure in menopausal women. These findings align with recent international studies indicating that the menopausal transition involves a range of hormonal and metabolic changes, including reduced estrogen levels, increased visceral adiposity, and heightened insulin resistance. Such changes directly impact the cardiovascular system, leading to elevated blood pressure. Numerous studies confirm that the menopausal transition is a critical period for the development of metabolic syndrome and hypertension, especially in women with significant increases in BMI.
Conclusions: Based on the research findings, a statistically significant association was observed between increased body mass index (BMI) and elevated systolic and diastolic blood pressure values in women aged 45 years and older. The most pronounced changes in blood pressure were recorded in women with a BMI greater than 30 kg/m², highlighting the strong impact of obesity on the development of arterial hypertension during this stage of life. Hormonal changes occurring during menopause, in combination with weight gain, represent key risk factors for the onset of elevated blood pressure and related cardiometabolic disorders.
Recommendations: It is essential to implement preventive measures aimed at maintaining optimal body weight through the promotion of healthy eating habits and regular physical activity, as BMI control significantly contributes to reducing the risk of hypertension.