Purpose: It is known that the decrease in estrogen level in women's life has negative effects on the cardiovascular system. In this study, it was aimed to elucidate the changes in the clinical status and treatment requirement of patients with heart failure (HF) during the menopausal transition period.
Materials and Methods: A total of 26 patients followed up in the HF outpatient clinic between 2015–2020 were included in this retrospective, single-center study. Demographic data of the patients, New York Heart Association class, echocardiographic findings, routine biochemical parameters and HF signs, symptoms and therapies were examined. Data at the beginning of the menopause period and after 12 months were compared.
Results: At the end of the 12-month follow-up, a statistically significant increase was found in the daily dose of furosemide (50.5 mg/day vs. 72.4 mg/day). While the mean heart rate of the patients was 80.4±20.1 beats/min at the beginning, it was 69.3±10.1 beats/min in the control visit. Echocardiographically measured left ventricular (LV) systolic diameters of the patients were significantly increased compared to baseline in the control visit (41.2±7.4 mm vs 45.8±7.0 mm,).
Conclusion: The menopausal period caused an increase in the need for treatment in patients followed up with HF. Therefore, in evaluation of the patients with HF, it would be a useful approach to question the menopausal status in detail and to follow the patients more closely during the menopausal transition period.