Body Mass Index, Waist Hip Ratio and Atherogenic Index in Premenopausal and Postmenopausal Women

It is a known fact that the incidence of cardiovascular diseases is lower in young women than young men. The reasons for this are not known but one of the possible factors may be the different hormonal makeup of the two sexes. Obesity measured either as body mass index (BMI), waist size or waist hip ratio (WHR) and Atherogenic index(AI) are the major determinants of cardiovascular risk factors. Hence we undertook this study to compare these parameters- BMI, WHR and Atherogenic index between women of reproductive age group and post menopausal age group. 50 premenopausal and 50 postmenopausal women were randomly selected for the study. Their BMI and WHR were calculated. AI was calculated after estimating their total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. On comparison by Z test we found that As compared to reproductive age group, in postmenopausal women there is increase in BMI, WHR and atherogenic index. These changes are favorable for development of atherosclerosis which is one of the important cause for coronary artery disease. These changes are mainly due to decreased level of oestrogen in postmenopausal age which has got various effects on lipid profile. Hence post menopausal women should be guided to have proper physical exercise, and diet to avoid any cardiovascular complications.