Estrogen Effects On Cardiovascular Function

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one killer of all-aged Americans (CDC, 2015). However, women develop CVD 7-10 years later than men. This age gap is correlated with the onset of menopause, leading researchers to think that the development of CVD in women is due to the withdrawal of estrogen. The purpose of this study was to explore the cardio-protective role of estrogen in a high-estrogen group (females) and a low estrogen group (males). We hypothesized that females would display lower blood pressures and enhanced vascular function compared to males due to the role of estrogen on the cardiovascular system. Ten male and ten female subjects completed the one-visit study. Females were tested during the early follicular phase of their menstrual cycle to control for estrogen levels. Anthropometric, blood pressure, pulse wave analysis, pulse wave velocity, carotid artery compliance and ß-stiffness, and carotid artery intima-media thickness measurements were taken. We found females had significantly lower brachial, carotid, and aortic pulse pressures, significantly higher AIx and AIx@75, and significantly higher augmented pressure. These findings demonstrate differences between healthy males and females in relation to cardiovascular function but suggest further research is needed to determine the effects of estrogen on cardiovascular function.