THE uterine fibroids are difficult to diagnose, because very often they do not trigger any symptoms. Indeed, as Health Insurance explains, 20 to 50% of women with uterine fibroids do not suffer from any particular symptoms. This is why most of the time, it is during a check-up gynecological examination or an ultrasound that it is diagnosed. Furthermore, when the symptoms are present, a uterine fibroid can cause the person suffering from it to suffer from heavy blood loss during periods, bleeding between periods, frequent urges to urinate, but also constipation or some hemorrhoids. Family history and heredity, age, ethnicity… The risk factors for uterine fibroids are numerous.
In a recent study published in review JAMA Network, researchers were interested in the link between high blood pressure and the occurrence of uterine fibroids in women in their forties. They discovered that the treatment of l’hypertension could have an impact on the prevention of uterine fibroids.
Could suffering from hypertension increase the risk of uterine fibroids in women?
To carry out their research, the scientists relied on data from the SWAN (Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation) cohort study, which consists of analyzing the health of women in midlife. The study was based on 2,570 women aged 42 to 52 who had never been diagnosed with uterine fibroids. The participants had had their period within the last three months before the start of the study, they were not pregnant and were not using hormonal treatment. They carried out control visits with health professionals every year throughout the duration of the study, in particular to check their blood pressure and the appearance of fibroids.
During follow-up, 526 participants reported a new fibroid diagnosis. After analyzing the data, the researchers discovered that women with untreated hypertension had 19% higher risk of newly diagnosed fibroid than patients without hypertension. Furthermore, those with hypertension treated with medication had a 37% lower risk of newly diagnosed fibroids. Likewise, the study results also revealed that women who developed high blood pressure during the study had a 45% higher risk of developing a uterine fibroid compared to participants who had never had high blood pressure.
High blood pressure and uterine fibroids: a relationship that is essential to explore
As the study results revealed, participants with untreated or new-onset hypertension had an increased risk of developing uterine fibroids, while those taking treatment for hypertension had a lower risk. Thus, this highlights the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring on the one hand to prevent heart health, but also to protect against the appearance of uterine fibroids, particularly in women in their forties. According to researcher Susanna Mitro, lead author of this work, “This study is a first step that does not necessarily argue in favor of a change in medical practice, but confirms qualitatively that hypertension increases the risk of fibroids.”
Sources :
- Hypertension, Cardiovascular Risk Factors, and Uterine Fibroid Diagnosis in Midlife – JAMA Network- 16 avril 2024
- Research suggests tie between hypertension, uterine fibroids – Kaiser Permanente
- Understanding uterine fibroids – Health Insurance
- Uterine fibroids: symptoms, diagnosis, progress – Health Insurance
