Psychosocial work environment and lifestyle as related to lipid profiles in perimenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to characterize lipid profiles of perimenopausal women and to relate these to the psychosocial work environment and lifestyle using a longitudinal design.

METHODS: A population-based sample of 107 women, aged 47-53 years, participated in a baseline study and in a follow-up 2 years later. Psychosocial work stress was measured using the Job Content Questionnaire. The women also completed a health questionnaire and participated in a psychological interview. Fasting blood samples were analyzed for concentrations of total cholesterol, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL, LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.

RESULTS: Multiple regression analyses showed that work control was a significant predictor of higher HDL cholesterol (p<0.05), lower LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.01) and lower total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.01). Job strain predicted a higher LDL cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.01) and higher total cholesterol/HDL cholesterol ratio (p<0.05). Lifestyle variables smoking, body mass index and waist/hip ratio predicted an unfavorable lipid profile, whereas alcohol consumption predicted a favorable lipid profile. Age but not menopausal status was associated with lipid levels at baseline and on follow-up. Use of hormone replacement therapy was a significant predictor of lower cholesterol levels in the multivariate analyses.

CONCLUSIONS: Our results demonstrated a significant association between the psychosocial work environment and women's cardiovascular health at menopause. Job strain was a significant contributor to an atherogenic lipid profile, whereas work control predicted a favorable profile. Hence, the argument is now compelling that psychosocial factors should be included in the risk profiles for cardiovascular disease in women.