A short or long menstrual cycle is associated with a greater risk of heart disease, suggests a study.
A study published in the journal Journal of the American Heart Association advance that the period duration has a role in the risk of cardiovascular disease.
As a reminder, a menstrual cycle has an average duration of 22 to 34 days. However, about 1 in 5 women has periods for shorter periods (less than 21 days) or longer periods (35 days and more).
Duration of the cycle: the framework of the study
The study was based on the analysis of health data from the UK BioBank and relating to more than 58,000 women with no health problem. Women who reported their cycle length at the start of a follow-up period that lasted no less than 12 years.
Researchers from Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University in Canton, China, conducted this study.
A higher cardiovascular risk?
What results? Scientists say women with short or long menstrual cycles had a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, especially heart attacks and atrial fibrillation.
Specifically, irregular cycles were linked to a 19% higher risk of such diseases. Shorter cycles were associated with a 29% greater risk of cardiovascular events, and longer periods were associated with an 11% higher risk compared to cycles considered normal.
“Bad Consequences”
Lead author Dr. Huijie Zhang summarizes:
Our analysis indicates that women with menstrual cycle dysfunction may experience adverse cardiovascular health consequences. Therefore, we need to raise awareness that people with irregular menstrual cycles may be more susceptible to developing heart disease.
Before adding:
These findings have important public health implications for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and heart attacks in women and highlight the importance of monitoring menstrual cycle characteristics throughout a woman’s reproductive life.