Prevalence, Risk Factors, and Multimorbidity Patterns in Climacteric Women with Hypertension

Although the relationship between risk factors and disease patterns still remains poorly understood, arterial hypertension in climacteric women is a substantial risk factor for multimorbidity. This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 1003 women aged ≥40 years attending Brazilian Basic Health Units to assess multimorbidity (≥2 chronic conditions) and its patterns (cardiometabolic, musculoskeletal, and neuropsychological). An adjusted logistic regression revealed that postmenopausal status (OR: 2.17; 95% CI: 1.05–4.48) and an age of ≥70 years (OR: 2.85; 95% CI: 1.16–6.99) were key risk factors for multimorbidity. Notably, 86% of hypertensive women had multimorbidity, most frequently dyslipidemia (50%), type 2 diabetes (37%), and thyroid disorders (18%). The cardiometabolic pattern (86% prevalence) was strongly associated with hypertension, especially among women aged ≥50 years (OR: 2.10; 95% CI: 1.10–3.98) and those with obesity grade I+ (OR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.36–3.89). Musculoskeletal disorders were associated with postmenopausal status (OR: 2.41; 95% CI: 1.05–5.51) and obesity (OR: 1.92; 95% CI: 1.08–3.43), while neuropsychological diseases showed no significant associations. These findings highlight that hypertensive climacteric women—especially postmenopausal, older, or those with obesity—face elevated risks of cardiometabolic and musculoskeletal multimorbidity, underscoring the need for targeted preventive strategies in this population.