30 May 2023 • A study of more than 58,000 women over a 12-year period found that longer or shorter menstrual cycles were associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, heart attack or atrial fibrillation (AFib), according to new research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association.

RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS:

• This study included health data for 58,056 women with an average age of 46 years at the beginning of the study period, as well as no cardiovascular disease
• During a median follow-up period of 12 years, An analysis of data for more than 58,000 women in the U.K. Biobank found that both short (less than 21 days) or long (more than 35 days) menstrual cycles were associated with the development of cardiovascular disease, heart attack or atrial fibrillation (AFib).
• Short or long menstrual cycle length was associated with a 19% higher risk of heart disease among those women compared to women with menstrual cycle length between 22 to 34 days.
• Irregular menstrual cycle length was associated with a 40% higher risk of atrial fibrillation.
• Menstrual cycle length was not associated with an increased risk of stroke or heart failure.

"These findings have important public health implications for the prevention of atrial fibrillation and heart attack among women and highlight the importance of monitoring menstrual cycle characteristics throughout a woman’s reproductive life" said senior author Huijie Zhang, M.D., Ph.D.

Source: AHA Journal | Read full story