Previous research studies suggest that the risk of heart disease rises significantly after menopause. Inflammation may be an important contributor to risk of heart disease in women, especially after menopause. We are doing this research study to understand how inflammation changes as women transition through menopause. Understanding links between inflammation and menopause may help us identify strategies to preserve the health of the heart in women.

You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 45-60 years old
• Have obesity (BMI of 30 or over) OR a history of high blood pressure
  
  

Exclusion Criteria:

• No history of heart disease including previous heart attack, heart failure, recent stroke
• No use of hormone therapy such as birth control
• No history of hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy
• No history of major medical problems including liver disease, cancer, or autoimmune diseases

Participation involves two study visits, approximately one year apart. Each study visit will take about 1.5 – 2 hours at the main campus Massachusetts General Hospital.

During these visits, we will:

• Ask about your medical and reproductive history (including questions regarding COVID-19)
• Review your medical records (to determine whether you qualify for our study)
• Measure your height, weight, blood pressure, heart rate, waist circumference
• Perform a physical exam
• Place an IV in your arm and draw a fasting blood sample (no eating or drinking, except
  for water after midnight)
• Collect endothelial cells from a vein (cells from the inner lining of a blood vessel). We will insert a soft J-shaped wire through the IV in your arm and then remove the wire. We will repeat the wire insertion up to three additional times. We have learned that during this process a small number of endothelial cells stick to the wires and can be washed off for study under the microscope. We may also save your cells and genetic material (RNA) from the cells to study whether genes relate to the function of your arteries.
• You may volunteer for a second endothelial cell collection. If you elect to undergo a second endothelial cell collection, we will place an IV in the opposite arm and insert a soft J-shaped wire using the technique outlined above up to four times in that arm.
• Do a 12-lead electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG is a test that checks the electrical activity of your heart. We will place several small, sticky pads on your chest, arms, and legs. Each pad has a wire attached. The wires connect to a machine that makes a recording of your heart rhythm. This painless test takes about 5 minutes.
• Perform an echocardiogram. You will lie down on a table. A technician will place an ultrasound probe on your chest and gently press down to take pictures of your heart. You will be asked to remain still for the duration of the procedure, which will take approximately 45 minutes.

No more than 10 tablespoons of blood will be drawn from a subject over the course of the study.

You will be paid $125 to complete the entire study. If you do not complete the entire study, you will be paid:

Visit 1: $50

Visit 2: $75.

Participants can be reimbursed an additional $20 for an additional endothelial cell collection.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.