Hypertension and Hysterectomy in Danish Women

The aim was to assess whether hypertension is a risk factor for hysterectomy. In a prevalence study, 2301 Danish women were selected at random in 1982. Information about cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, use of medicine, weight history, life-styles, psychological factors, gynaecological history, and social background were obtained. Blood pressure was measured. In an incidence study, the cohort was followed from 1982-1990 to assess the incidence of hysterectomy. In the prevalence study, hypertension partly explained the relation between hysterectomy and cardiovascular diseases. There were interactions between hypertension and previously found risk factors for hysterectomy. In the incidence study, hypertension was a risk factor in educated women (adjusted relative risk 2.88, 95% confidence interval 1.07-7.76) and in women with weight cycling (adjusted relative risk 3.31, 95% confidence interval 1.35-8.14). Hypertension might cause menorrhagia. These three risk factors contribute to women undergoing hysterectomy having an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases.