Study shows women quickly catch up to men in terms of cardiovascular risk; underscores the need for increased awareness and screening
If you’re in perimenopause or menopause, I’m sure you’ve noticed changes in your body—hot flashes, achy joints, weight gain, sudden anger, etc. But there's another change happening that you might not be aware of, and it could be the most important one for your long-term health: your heart disease risk is rising rapidly.
A groundbreaking new study presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session reveals that postmenopausal women's cardiovascular risk can spike dramatically, quickly matching that of men their age. This research sheds light on a health issue that has been historically overlooked, leaving many women unaware of their increased vulnerability.
The Estrogen Shield Falls Away
For decades, you've likely benefited from estrogen's protective effects on your cardiovascular system. This hormone has been your heart's silent guardian, helping to keep your arteries healthy and your risk of heart disease lower than men of the same age.
But menopause changes everything.
"After menopause, women have much less estrogen and shift to a more testosterone-heavy profile," explains Dr. Ella Ishaaya, the study's lead author and an internal medicine physician at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. "This affects the way your body stores fat, where it stores fat and the way it processes fat; it even affects the way your blood clots. And all of those changes increase your risk for developing heart disease."
What the Research Reveals
The study followed 579 postmenopausal women who were already taking cholesterol-lowering statin medications. Each woman underwent heart scans to measure their coronary artery calcium (CAC) score—a marker that indicates plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. Higher scores mean higher risk of heart attack and other cardiac events.
The results were striking. When researchers compared these women to men with similar health profiles, they found that plaque buildup accelerated much faster in women:
- Women with lower initial CAC scores (1-99) saw their levels rise by a median of 8 points, double the 4-point increase seen in men
- Women with moderate scores (100-399) experienced a median rise of 31 points, compared to just 16 in men
- Even women taking statins saw substantial increases in plaque buildup
You're Not Alone in Being Unaware
If this information surprises you, you're far from alone. The study highlights a troubling gap in awareness—not just among women, but even among healthcare providers.
“Women are under-screened and under-treated, especially post-menopausal women, who have a barrage of new risk factors that many are not aware of,” Dr. Ishaaya notes. This lack of awareness contributes to heart disease being undertreated in women, despite it being the leading cause of death for both men and women.
The problem is compounded by the fact that women often develop heart disease later in life than men and may experience different, sometimes subtler symptoms that can be overlooked or misinterpreted.
Taking Action: What You Can Do
The good news is that awareness is the first step toward protection. Here's what you can do to safeguard your heart health after menopause:
Talk to Your Doctor
Schedule a conversation specifically about your cardiovascular risk. Don't wait for your doctor to bring it up—be proactive. Discuss:
- Your personal risk factors
- Whether you're a candidate for heart screening tests
- The potential benefits of a coronary artery calcium scan
Consider Heart Screening
Based on this research, you may benefit from heart scans more than current guidelines suggest. A CAC scan is quick, non-invasive, and similar to an X-ray. It can provide valuable information about your risk level and help guide treatment decisions.
Evaluate Your Current Treatment
If you're already taking medications like statins, this study suggests they may not be sufficient on their own to keep plaque buildup in check for postmenopausal women. Work with your doctor to ensure your treatment plan is comprehensive and appropriate for your new risk profile.
Stay Informed About Symptoms
Learn to recognize heart disease symptoms in women, which can differ from the classic chest pain often depicted in men. Women may experience:
- Shortness of breath
- Nausea or vomiting
- Back or jaw pain
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
The Bigger Picture
This research represents a crucial step forward in understanding women's cardiovascular health after menopause. It challenges the medical community to rethink screening protocols and treatment approaches for postmenopausal women.
"This study raises awareness of what those risk factors are and opens the door to indicating the importance of increased screening," Dr. Ishaaya explains.
Your Health, Your Advocacy
Menopause marks a significant transition in your life, and understanding its impact on your heart health is crucial for the years ahead. While losing estrogen's protective effects is an inevitable part of aging, being unaware of the consequences and unprepared for the increased risk is not.
Take charge of your cardiovascular health. Ask questions, seek appropriate screening, and work with your healthcare team to develop a comprehensive plan that acknowledges your new risk profile. Your heart has served you well for decades—now it's time to return the favor with informed, proactive care.
Remember: you're not just getting older, you're entering a new phase of life that requires new health strategies. With awareness, appropriate screening, and proper treatment, you can continue to live a full, active life while protecting one of your most vital organs.
Symptom Relief
Managing menopause symptoms can feel overwhelming, especially when effective solutions seem hard to find. From unexpected skin changes to frustrating hot flashes, these shifts can impact daily life and overall well-being. Explore our Symptom Relief page to discover products that other women have found helpful in managing their symptoms of perimenopause and menopause.
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Explore More
Want to dive deeper into menopause and its symptoms? Visit our Resources page, where you’ll find a collection of studies, articles, and books from trusted experts. Whether you're looking for the latest research or practical insights, these resources can help you better understand your body and make informed decisions about your menopause journey.