Study on Neurovascular Function and Hot Flashes in Women Aged 40 to 60

What this Trial Is About

This research investigates the relationship between hot flashes and neurovascular function in women aged 40 to 60. It focuses on how hot flashes may be linked to neurovascular dysfunction and cardiovascular disease risk. The study aims to advance understanding of these connections by examining vascular and sympathetic nervous system responses in women experiencing varying frequencies of hot flashes. Participants may undergo assessments of microvascular function and autonomic nervous system function through two protocols. Drugs including Sodium Nitroprusside, Acetylcholine, Terbutaline, and Norepinephrine will be infused through a brachial artery catheter at different doses to test vascular responses. Muscle sympathetic nerve activity will be recorded continuously at rest and during sympathoexcitatory stressors such as the Valsalva maneuver, handgrip exercise, cold pressor test, and stepped hypercapnia. During the study, participants will have hot flash frequency monitored during a screening period and may choose to attend one or two study visits for the functional assessments. Researchers will measure continuous vascular conductance and sympathetic nerve activity to compare women with low versus high frequency of hot flashes. The study includes healthy female volunteers without cardiovascular disease, with no medications affecting cardiovascular function, and non-smokers. All procedures are designed to better understand vascular and nervous system function in relation to menopausal symptoms.

Hot Flashes and Neurovascular Function in Women