To Measure the Cardiovascular Parameters in the Pre & Post Menopausal Women after Physical Activity

Background: It is well established that postmenopausal women are at increased risk for heart disease, osteoporosis and breast cancer. The incidence of cardiovascular events in reproductive age in women is three times lower than in men, whereas this ratio noticeably changes on post-menopausal beginning. From puberty to the menopause, females cyclically produce the reproductive hormones. Research has now shown how these hormones interact with both health and physical activity. Therefore the aim of the study is to assess the cardiovascular response after physical activity in pre & post menopausal women.

Materials and Methodology: The study was one time observational design and convenient sampling method used, where 60 consecutive Subjects (30-pre-menopausal women & 30-post-menopausal) as per inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited. After explaining procedure of the study and methods for examination, baseline vitals (Pulse Rate, Blood Pressure and Rate of Perceived Exertion) were taken. Then each subject was first made to perform 12 minute walk test. Immediately after test, vitals were measured and recorded. Subjects were given rest for 15 minutes and again baseline vitals were measured and then were made to do stair climbing for 5 minutes. At the end of 5 minutes same vital parameters were measured and recorded. Vital parameters were compared for 12 minute walk test and 5 minutes of stair climbing.

Result: Regression Analysis was done for all variables and variation in Pulse rate, Systolic Blood Pressure and Rate of Perceived Exertion was found to be significant. 38% of variation in Pulse Rate, 29.8% of variation in Systolic Blood Pressure, 33.4% of variation in Rate of Perceived Exertion is explained by menopause.

Conclusion: There is a significant increment in Pulse Rate, Systolic Blood Pressure and Rate of Perceived Exertion from its baseline in post-menopausal women compared to pre-menopausal after 5 minutes of stair climbing.