Risk of heart disease rises sharply in women after menopause, study

A woman’s cardiovascular risk can surge significantly after menopause, catching up swiftly to men of similar age and health status, reveals new research presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session. The study underscores the importance of early detection and intervention for heart disease risk in women post-menopause, as they lose the protective effects of estrogen. Here is all you need to know about this new finding and what they mean for women's heart health.
Post-menopausal women, who were on statins (a class of medications that can aid in reducing blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol) to manage cholesterol, underwent heart scans to evaluate their coronary artery calcium (CAC) score—a measure of plaque buildup in the heart's arteries. This scan detects fat, calcium, and other substances in the arteries, indicating the risk of heart attack or other cardiac events.

Results highlight the gender disparity

Analysis of data from 579 post-menopausal women revealed a concerning trend: the rate of plaque buildup accelerated in women compared to men. Women with baseline CAC levels between 1–99 experienced a median increase of eight points, double that of their male counterparts. Similarly, those with baseline CAC levels of 100–399 saw a median increase of 31 points, approximately twice the increase observed in men.

The role of estrogen and heart health

The decline in estrogen post-menopause contributes significantly to this increased risk. Estrogen, known for its protective effects on heart health, diminishes after menopause, altering fat storage, blood clotting, and other processes that influence heart disease risk.

Implications for women's health

The study's findings highlight the urgent need for increased awareness and screening of heart disease risk factors in postmenopausal women. While statins are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol, the study suggests they may not be sufficient in halting plaque buildup in this demographic. Future research could explore alternative therapies tailored to post-menopausal women.

Protecting heart health post-menopause

Cardiologists emphasize the importance of preemptive measures to safeguard heart health, starting before menopause and continuing after that. Lifestyle modifications such as maintaining a heart-healthy diet, regular exercise, smoking cessation, and stress management through activities like yoga and meditation play crucial roles in reducing heart disease risk.