The Cardiovascular Impact of Hot Flushes
University of Minnesota
Summary
The overall objective of this study is to examine the physiological responses that occur during a hot flush in postmenopausal women. The following specific aims will be executed to reach the overall objective of this study. Aim 1: To determine if hot flushes can be reliably induced with a temperature-controlled, water- circulating (TCWC) heating pad. Based on previous research, the investigators hypothesize that hot flushes will be inducible with the TCWC in symptomatic women, but not in asymptomatic women. Aim 2: To determine if heat-induced hot flushes in symptomatic women will cause reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses. The investigators hypothesize that heat-induced hot flushes produce similar and reproducible cardiovascular and respiratory responses to spontaneous hot flushes. Aim 3: To determine if body fat percentage influences hot flush severity or frequency during spontaneous or induced hot flushes. The investigators hypothesize that women with higher body fat have reduced hot flash severity and frequency.
Description
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases aggressively after menopause and is the leading cause of mortality in women in the US. Autonomic dysregulation and high blood pressure (BP), often demonstrated in postmenopausal women, are directly linked to CVD. Women who experience vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, such as night sweats or hot flushes, are at an increased CVD risk. For example, VMS were associated with endothelial dysfunction, elevated blood pressure (BP) and cholesterol, suggesting that VMS may be a marker of adverse vascular changes associated with CVD. Thus, the investigators hav…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 40–70 years
- Sex
- Female
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: * Postmenopausal (may have or may not have hot flushes) * Have not started hormone therapy and/or will discontinue hormone therapy for the duration of the study Exclusion Criteria: * Reported nicotine/tobacco use within the last six months * Diabetic or asthmatic * Diagnosed significant carotid stenosis * History of significant autonomic dysfunction, heart disease, respiratory disease, or severe neurologic condition such as stroke or traumatic brain injury * Existing metabolic or endocrine abnormalities * Use of heart/blood pressure medications that are determined to int…
Interventions
- OtherHot Flush Induction
A temperature-controlled, water-circulating heating pad at a constant temperature of 107˚F will be placed on the participant's torso, a microwaved heating neck pad will be placed on the participant's neck, and two warm balloons will be placed in the participant's hands for 30 min. Subjective (verbal start and end point to be marked on LabChart software) and objective (skin conductance and skin temperature) measures of hot flushes will be recorded.
Location
- University of MinnesotaMinneapolis, Minnesota