Peri-menopausal bone demineralization may increase the rate of release of lead from bone. Prolonged exposure to low levels of lead may cause systemic hypertension. Previous investigations have not longitudinally examined whether increases in blood lead levels (BLLs) are associated with increased blood pressure in women of menopausal age. Data from the WHLP (Women's Health Lifestyle Project) study (N=526)were examined. Age range at baseline was 43.2-51.3 (mean+SD=46.9+1.9). The analyses were limited to 450 Caucasian women. Over 54 months follow-up, bone mineral density (BMD) significantly decreased at measured sites (whole body, spine, and hip). Mean BLL decreased significantly over the follow-up. However, there was an inverse association between delta BLL and delta BMD such that women with the greatest bone loss experienced a significant increase in BLL. We used a repeated measures analysis within a mixed models framework to estimate the longitudinal effect of BMD on BLLs. After controlling for BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, age, menopausal status, and HRT, loss of whole body BMD was marginally associated with an increase in BLL (p=0.05). We used the same methodology to examine risk factors for increased blood pressure by estimating models for systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Covariates included BLLs, age, BMI, alcohol consumption, smoking, menopausal status and HRT. Significant predictors for increased DBP included BLL, age, BMI, and menopausal status. Significant predictors for increased SBP include age, BMI and smoking. These results indicate that there is a direct association between endogenous lead exposure and diastolic blood pressure in peri-menopausal women.
Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the session, the participant in this session will be able to list certain risk factors for increased blood pressure in middle-aged women
Keywords: Lead, Chronic Diseases
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.