Effects of Menopause on the Myocardial Velocities and Myocardial Performance Index

143 healthy women (72 postmenopausal and 71 age-matched premenopausal), median age 47 years. Key exclusions: blood pressure >140/90 mmHg, history of cardiac, gynecologic or systemic disease, diabetes mellitus, renal failure, smokers, positive exercise stress test, on hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives.

Postmenopausal status (natural or surgical menopause for at least 12 months)

Premenopausal status (regular cyclic menstruation)

Cardiac functions assessed by tissue Doppler echocardiography (TDE) myocardial velocities and myocardial performance index (MPI)surrogate