Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Multimorbidity Patterns in Climacteric Women with Hypertension

Although the relationship between risk factors and disease patterns still remains poorly understood, arterial hypertension in climacteric women is a substantial risk factor for multimorbidity. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1003 women aged ≥40 years attending Brazilian Basic Health Units to assess multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and its patterns (cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychological). An adjusted logistic regression revealed that postmenopausal status (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.05-4.48) and an age of ≥70 years (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.16-6.99) were key risk factors for multimorbidity. Notably, 86% of hypertensive women had multimorbidity, most frequently dyslipidemia (50%), type 2 diabetes (37%), and thyroid disorders (18%). The cardiometabolic pattern (86% prevalence) was strongly associated with hypertension, especially among women aged ≥50 years (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.10-3.98) and those with obesity grade I+ (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.36-3.89). Musculoskeletal disorders were associated with postmenopausal status (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.05-5.51) and obesity (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.08-3.43), while neuropsychological diseases showed no significant associations. These findings highlight that hypertensive climacteric women-especially postmenopausal, older, or those with obesity-face elevated risks of cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal multimorbidity, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies in this population.