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Palpitations across the menopause transition in SWAN: trajectories, characteristics, and associations with subclinical cardiovascular disease
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Palpitations across the menopause transition in SWAN: trajectories, characteristics, and associations with subclinical cardiovascular disease

Janet S. Carpenter, Yamnia Cortes, James E. Tisdale, Ying Sheng, Elizabeth A. Jackson, Emma Barinas-Mitchell and Rebecca C. Thurston
Menopause (New York, N.Y.), Vol.30(1), pp.18-27
01/01/2023
DOI: 10.1097/GME.0000000000002082
PMCID: PMC9797427
PMID: 36256921
url
https://scholarworks.indianapolis.iu.edu/bitstreams/612f63b4-70df-41e6-b411-ae9a47aa80d5/downloadView
Open Access

Abstract

ObjectiveOur objectives were to identify trajectories of palpitations over the menopause transition, characterize them, and examine associations with subclinical cardiovascular disease (CVD).MethodsWe analyzed the following data from the multisite, multiethnic SWAN (Study of Women Across the Nation): reported palpitations occurrence over time; baseline sociodemographic, reproductive, medication, and health-related factors; and follow-up visit subclinical CVD (carotid atherosclerosis, vascular stiffness). Trajectories of palpitations (n = 3,276), their characteristics, and their associations with subclinical CVD (n = 1,559) were identified using group-based trajectory modeling and linear and logistic regression models.ResultsThree trajectories emerged: high probability of palpitations in perimenopause to early postmenopause diminishing in late postmenopause (15.9% of women), moderate probability of palpitations in perimenopause to early postmenopause diminishing in late postmenopause (34.3%), and sustained low probability of palpitations (49.8%). In the fully adjusted multivariable model, the high probability group had a more adverse reproductive and health-related profile at baseline (higher gravidity, early perimenopause, vasomotor symptoms, poorer overall health, higher depressive symptoms, higher perceived stress, greater sleep problems, higher blood pressure). In fully adjusted multivariable models, palpitation trajectories were not related to atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness.ConclusionsDistinct patterns of palpitations emerged, with a substantial portion of women having palpitations during the perimenopause and early postmenopause. Palpitations were not associated with subclinical CVD. Findings can help identify women at risk of palpitations during the menopause transition who may need symptom relief.
Life Sciences & Biomedicine Obstetrics & Gynecology Science & Technology

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