Metabolic syndrome and menopausal characteristics modulate pulse wave velocity in postmenopause women

Arterial stiffness (AS) has been shown, for the general population, as an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events and mortality. In postmenopausal women, the association of AS with age, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) is not yet well established. Analyse the influence of MetS, age, body mass index (BMI), and menopausal characteristics on the variation of AS in early (EP) and late (LP) postmenopause. The sample consisted of 121 women (58.10±6.46 years old), 57% with LP. Waist circumference (WC) was measured at a level midway between the bottom of the rib cage and the superior margin of the iliac crest, and BMI (obesity: BMI≥25.5 kg/m2) was calculated using the standard equation. MetS was defined as the coexistence of at least 3 of the following 5 risk factors: WC≥80 cm, triglycerides≥150 mg/dL or treatment for dyslipidaemia, high-density lipoprotein