Relationship between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk among postmenopausal women in cameroon: a community-based study.

INTRODUCTION

Despite the known association between hyperuricemia and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the prevalence and epidemiology of hyperuricemia in postmenopausal women in Cameroon are not yet fully understood. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of hyperuricemia, identify its associated factors, and examine its association with cardiovascular risk markers among postmenopausal women living in Yaoundé.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Yaoundé from November 2024 to June 2025, involving 206 postmenopausal women. Biological measurements were performed at PRIMA Lab using the Cobas 6000®. Independent associated factors with hyperuricemia were analyzed using logistic regression. Association between hyperuricemia and cardiovascular risk markers was assessed, using chi2. The significance level was set at 5%. SPSS 28 was used for statistical analysis.

RESULTS

Out of 206 postmenopausal women, the mean age was 63.5 ± 8.7 [48-87] years. The prevalence of hyperuricemia was 37.9%. Menopausal duration ≥ 14 years (OR = 2.8; P = 0.016), overweight/obesity (OR = 1.9; P = 0.030) and hypertension (OR = 2.0; P = 0.036). Hyperuricemia was significantly associated with non-HDL cholesterol ≥ 130 mg/dL (P = 0.001), LDL/HDL ratio (P = 0.001), WHO CVR score ≥ 10% (P = 0.018), and non-HDL/total cholesterol ratio (P = 0.045).

CONCLUSION

More than one-third of postmenopausal women have been diagnosed with hyperuricemia. Long duration of menopause, overweight/obesity and hypertension were independently associated with hyperuricemia. Hyperuricemia was significantly associate with non-HDL cholesterol, LDL/HDL ratio, non-HDL/total cholesterol ratio and WHO CVR score.