Brislane, Aine ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-3214-6544, Jones, Helen, Low, David, A., Carter, Sophie ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2815-7360 and Hopkins, Nicola (2017) Differences in Vascular Outcomes and Sedentary Behaviour in Pre- and Post-Menopausal Women. In: Northern Vascular Biology Forum, 6 Dec 2017, Liverpool, United Kingdom. (Unpublished)

Text Áine Brislane Vascular Biology.docx - Presentation Download (17kB)

Abstract

Introduction: Vascular ageing, characterized by endothelial dysfunction and atherosclerosis is an integral component of cardiovascular disease (CVD) development. The menopause and its associated reduction in oestrogen accelerates female vascular aging. Sedentary behaviour (SB) and physical activity (PA) levels modify vascular risk and may further exacerbate aging induced pathological arterial remodelling. The aim of this study was to examine the differences in vascular artery health, PA and SB in pre- and post-menopausal women.
Methodology: Forty-eight female adults were recruited and grouped according to whether they were pre-menopausal (PRE-M; 30.89.5 years, BMI 25.67kg/m2) or post-menopausal (POST-M; 56.26.1 years, BMI 24.85kg/m2). Systolic (SBP) and diastolic (DBP) blood pressure was measured following 30 minutes supine rest. Vascular ultrasound was used to assess carotid artery intima media thickness (cIMT) and brachial artery vasodilator response to 5 minutes distal limb occlusion. Carotid artery reactivity (CAR%) to a cold pressor test was assessed and pulse wave velocity (PWV) was calculated using applanation tonometry. VO2max was determined by a cycling ramp protocol to volitional exhaustion. Habitual SB and PA were measured over 7 days using an inclinometer and accelerometry respectively. Group differences were determined using independent t-tests.
Results: Significant differences (p=<0.001) were observed between PRE-M and POST-M women respectively for SBP (107±8mmHg; 120±14mmHg), DBP (65±5mmHg; 72±5mmHg) and PWV (PRE-M, 5.5±1.1cm/s; POST-M, 6.6±1.7cm/s). PRE-M and POST-M women also differed significantly (p=<0.005) in measures of cIMT (0.58±0.07mm; 0.72±0.08mm), FMD (8.2±8.6%; 4.7±3.4%) and MCAv (68.5±18.3cm/s; 57.3±17.4cm/s) respectively. VO2max was higher in PRE-M (34.3±7.0mL/kg/min; 25.5±6.4mL/kg/min; p<0.001). Neither total PA time (PRE-M; 338.8±73.1mins/d , POST-M; 353.3±104.3mins/d) nor daily SB differed significantly between groups (PRE-M, 67±14.9%; POST-M, 61.2±11.5%).
Coclusion: Our findings reiterate previous literature that ageing results in vascular decline. Despite a lower VO2max in POST-M, interestingly PA and SB patterns did not differ between PRE- and POST-M women. Our findings may indicate that VO2max, and not PA or SB level plays an important role in mediating some markers of vascular aging in post menopausal women, however further research is needed to confirm this.

Item Type:	Conference or Workshop Item (Speech)
Status:	Unpublished
Subjects:	Q Science > Q Science (General) Q Science > QP Physiology
School/Department:	School of Science, Technology and Health
URI:	https://ray.yorksj.ac.uk/id/eprint/3746

University Staff: Request a correction | RaY Editors: Update this record