24-hour profile of heart rate, cardiac rhythm disturbances and ST segment depression in Holter ECG monitoring in pre- and postmenopausal women

The aim of the study was to assess 24-hour profile of heart rate, extrasystole frequency and ST segment depression in women aged 40-60 years (n=258) in dependence of menstrual status as assessed by Holter monitoring. Two age groups were analysed: 40-49 years old (the first group) and 50-59 years old (the second group). The results revealed that heart rate in women aged 50-59 is lower than in women aged 40-49 years. Heart rate decreased in postmenopausal period independently of age, blood pressure, anthropometric indices and antihypertensive treatment. Extrasystole frequency was higher in postmenopausal women. ST segment depression was more frequent in postmenopausal women as well.