RESUMO
The aim of this research was to assess both structural and functional carotid arterial wall abnormalities in normotensive post-menopausal women by duplex Ultra sonography. Sixthy eight female patients [age 56 +/- 6.3] were attending gynaecology and obstetrics out patient clinic for non cardiac causes at Bab El Shaaria University Hospital, were chosen for the study [from October 2002 to April 2003], twenty five premenopausal womenlwere taken as controls [age 36 +/- 4.32]. Exclusion criteria were ischaemic and myopathic heart diseases, aortic valve diseases, diabetes mellitus, renal diseases, and peripheral vascular or systemic diseases. They were subjected to the following investigations, blood sugar level, uric acid, female hormonal assay level in the blood [oestradiol E2, progesterone FSH, LH], and blood lipid profiles [cholesterol, Triglycerides. LDL, HDL]. Duplex data of the carotid arterial wall was obtained to measure the intimal-medial thickness and to estimate elasticity and distensibility indices of the compliance.Carotid artery elastic properties wgre determined by relating changes in arterial diameter to changes in pressure generated with each heart beat, carotid artery distensibility was less and young modulus of elasticity was greater in post menopausal women than premenopausal women. Carotid artery wall thickness increased in post menopausal women and carotid vascular changes in normoncnsivc post menopause were associated with higher level of FSH, LH with lower level oestradiol [E2]. progesterone than controls. Also, these changes were associated with higher level of cholesterol, trighlycerides, LDH with lower level of HDL than controls
Conclusion: Carotid compliance is reduced in normotensive post-menopausal women. Carotid intimal medial thickness increases. Carotid arterial wall abnormalities are associated with low ocstradiol and progesterone with high blood lipid profile