Hypertension is associated with an increased risk for hysterectomy: a Danish cohort study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess whether hypertension is a risk factor for hysterectomy, endometrial resection, and myomectomy.


METHODS
Self-report questionnaires were collected from 81% of 1959 Danish women aged 30 or 40 years selected at random in 1976-1991, in four different cohort studies. Baseline data included standardized information about cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, use of medicine, gynecologic history, social background, and life style factors. Weight, height and blood pressure were measured. The women were followed via central registers to assess the incidence of hysterectomy, endometrial resection, and myomectomy performed for benign diagnoses. Cox regression analyses were used to control for confounding.


RESULTS
The average time to follow-up was 15 years, and 135 operations performed for benign diagnoses were identified. Women with a history of hypertension had a double risk of having an operation compared to women without hypertension, independent of confounders.


CONCLUSIONS
Hypertension seems to be a risk factor for hysterectomy performed for benign diagnoses, and thus contributes to women undergoing hysterectomy having an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. It might be relevant to pay increased attention to the blood pressure in candidates for hysterectomy, as optimal antihypertensive treatment could decrease their otherwise increased risk of cardiovascular disease years after hysterectomy.
Settnes
Annette
A
Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Research Centre for Prevention and Health, Copenhagen County, Glostrup University Hospital, Uglekaeret 5, DK-3520 Farum, Denmark. annettesettnes@dadlnet.dk
Andreasen
Anne Helms
AH
Jørgensen
Torben
T
D000328:Adult; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003718:Denmark / Q000453:epidemiology; D004717:Endometrium / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D046110:Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced / Q000453:epidemiology*; D007044:Hysterectomy / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D007889:Leiomyoma / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014592:Uterine Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery; D014594:Uterine Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000601:surgery