Risk Factors Associated with Systemic Arterial Hypertension in Postmenopausal Women Engaged in Resistance Training: A Cross-Sectional Observational Study.

BACKGROUND

Systemic arterial hypertension (SAH) shows a high prevalence among postmenopausal women and represents an important public health concern.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate factors associated with SAH in postmenopausal women participating in a resistance training program.

METHODS

This observational, cross-sectional study included 55 postmenopausal women (66.0 ± 4.9 years) recruited from the "More Active Women" research project, an umbrella experimental and longitudinal study involving resistance training interventions. Cross-sectional data were collected during the baseline assessment (April-May 2025). Sociodemographic variables, nutritional status (body mass index and waist circumference), and behavioral and health-related variables obtained through structured interviews and anthropometric assessments were analyzed. Associations were tested using Pearson's chi-square test or Fisher's exact test, with effect size estimated by Phi or Cramer's V when appropriate, and binary logistic regression was performed for adjusted analyses.

RESULTS

Significant associations were observed between SAH and elevated BMI (p = 0.03; φ = 0.30), waist circumference > 88 cm (p = 0.006; φ = 0.40), and lower educational level (p = 0.003; V = 0.47). In the adjusted analysis, waist circumference ≤ 88 cm was associated with a lower likelihood of SAH (OR = 5.54; 95% CI: 0.965-31.872; p = 0.007), whereas lower educational level was associated with a higher likelihood of hypertension (OR = 13.98; 95% CI: 1.505-129.833; p = 0.004).

CONCLUSION

Excess central adiposity and lower educational level are associated with SAH in postmenopausal women, highlighting the importance of integrated health promotion strategies that address both cardiometabolic risk factors and social determinants of health during aging.