Comparison of Blood Pressure Variability in Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle in Apparently Healthy Females: A Cross Sectional Study

Background: Hypertension is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in today’s world, wherein sedentary lifestyle and fast food dominate the youngsters and middle aged population. Also stress, increased screen time and lack of sleep hygiene are leading the population at risk of metabolic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. Hormones also play a significant role in etiology of hypertension. Materials and Methods: Our study was carried out in physiology department, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow. This was a cross sectional observational study, including apparently healthy females in age group 18-35 years, having regular ovulatory cycles, and not undergoing any medication for chronic disease. We excluded pregnant and lactating females, those beyond the age criteria and patients of chronic diseases. Our study participants were initially trained to undergo ambulatory blood pressure monitoring, and twenty four hours ambulatory blood pressure monitoring was done in the peak of menstrual, proliferative and luteal phase, considering ovulation at day (x-14), where x is the last day of menstrual cycle. Results: On comparing, systolic BP, mean in menstrual phase came out to be 103.79 with S.D 15.25, In proliferative phase it was 105.41, with S.D 7.33, in luteal phase it was 124.13, with S.D 10.60. (p <0.001) In diastolic BP, mean of 63.6 with S.D 15.75, in menstrual phase, 68.44 with S.D5.66 in proliferative phase and 76.32 with S.D 6.77, was observed. (p <0.001). Considering mean arterial pressure, in menstrual phase mean was 78.03, with SD 10.95, in proliferative phase 79.91 with S.D 6.34. In luteal phase, it was 89.58 with SD 5.49. (p <0.001) Comparison of pulse shows a gradual rise on transition from menstrual to proliferative phase, however the results did not reach a significant value. Conclusion: our study shows that blood pressure tends to rise on transition from menstrual to proliferative and luteal phases, hence this should be taken into consideration while screening and diagnosing females as hypertensives. Key words: ABPM, mid luteal, menstrual, proliferative