Heart Disease and Menopause

“Before menopause, women have a lower risk of heart
disease than men. However, as women age and their
oestrogen levels fall, their risk of cardiovascular disease…”.1

Umbrella
What may the Heart Disease and Menopause Umbrella include?

Depending on the Source (DotS) this Umbrella may include:

  • After Menopause
  • Before Menopause
  • Cardiovascular Disease (CVD
  • Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  • Heart Conditions
  • Heart Disease/s
  • Perimenopause
  • Postmenopause

Heart Disease

What is heart disease?

DotS the definition of heart disease may vary. The (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s definition is:

“The term “heart disease” refers to several types of heart conditions. The most common type of heart disease in the United States is coronary artery disease (CAD), which affects the blood flow to the heart. Decreased blood flow can cause a heart attack”.2

Before Menopause

Heart Disease and MenopauseHeart Disease and MenopauseIs there an association between before menopause and heart disease?

In What Is Menopause: Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health the (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) explain:

“Before menopause, women have a lower risk of heart disease than men. However, as women age and their oestrogen levels fall, their risk of cardiovascular disease increases”.3

In Menopause and Heart Disease the British Heart Foundation (BHF) note:

“Before the menopause, women in general have a lower risk of being affected by coronary heart disease. But after the menopause, your risk increases”.4

In Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? the (United States) National Institute of Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) elaborate on:

  • “Hormonal changes may affect a woman’s risk for coronary heart disease. Before menopause, the hormone estrogen provides women with some protection against heart disease. This may be because estrogen keeps the arteries flexible, or because estrogen may have potentially beneficial effects on blood lipids. As women age, though, their risk for coronary heart disease increases, and menopausal hormone therapy further increases that risk”.5

Postmenopause

Is there an association between postmenopause and heart disease?

The JH explain:

“After menopause, risk factors for heart disease increase. These include:

  • High blood pressure
  • An increase in total cholesterol
  • An increase in LDL (‘bad’ cholesterol)
  • A decrease in HDL (‘good’ cholesterol)
  • An increase in blood fats, such as triglycerides”.6

Early Menopause

Is there an association between early menopause and heart disease?

Yes. According to the NHLBI:


Heart Disease and Menopause“Women who go through early menopause, especially if they had a hysterectomy, are more likely to develop heart disease as women of the same age who have not yet gone through menopause”.7

Hormone Therapy Risk

Can choosing to use HT or HRT increase the risk of heart disease?

In Menopause and Heart Disease: Does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) Affect Your Risk of Heart and Circulatory Disease? the BHF also note:

“HRT can be very effective for relieving some symptoms of the menopause. But some women avoid taking it because they worry that it may increase their risk of certain health conditions such as blood clots.

Taking HRT in tablet form can increase the risk of a blood clot, which such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in the lower leg or pulmonary embolus in the lung. But this risk can be reduced by having HRT through the skin, as a patch or gel. You should discuss your individual needs with your GP.

Recent evidence shows that menopausal women taking HRT have no higher risk of dying from a heart attack than women who don’t take HRT”.8

Heart Disease Prevention

What are the most effective ways to prevent heart disease?

In The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks, published 20 February 2023, the author elaborates on:

“Research suggests the most effective ways to prevent heart disease include not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and keeping cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control”.9

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have heart disease or I have a family history of heart disease?

If you think you have heart disease or you have a family history of heart disease, it may be in your best interest to choose to talk to your health care provider about this.

In Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – You and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership the NHLBI also remind us:

“A crucial step in determining your risk is to see your doctor for a thorough checkup. Your doctor can be an important partner in helping you set and reach goals for heart health. But don’t wait for your doctor to mention heart disease or its risk factors. Many doctors don’t routinely bring up the subject with women patients. Here are some tips for establishing good, clear communication between you and your doctor:

  • Speak Up…
  • Keep Tabs on Treatment…
  • Be Open…
  • Keep It Simple…”.10

Health Topics A-Z

Where may I find Health Topics A-Z related to Heart Disease and Menopause?

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

Where may I find Links related to Heart Disease and Menopause?

Your Country may have Links similar to:

Links

This Links List to third party websites is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. Inclusion on this Links List does not imply endorsement or recommendation. Non-inclusion on this Links List does not imply non-endorsement or non-recommendation. Third party websites are not under the control of Meno Martha International Menopause Directory. Third party websites may contain explicit medical images and/or sexual references. Please read Meno Martha International Menopause Directory’s Links Policy before proceeding to a Link. Please contact Webmaster if you experience a problem with a Link.

New or Updated

  1. About Heart Disease In Women
  2. Alcohol
  3. Answers By Heart Fact Sheets: Lifestyle and Risk Reduction
  4. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  5. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  6. Cardiosmart.org
  7. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Heart Attack Warning Signs In Women
  8. Causes and Prevention of Heart Disease
  9. Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  10. Coronary Heart Disease
  11. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease
  12. Diabetes and Heart Disease
  13. Diabetes and Your Heart
  14. Drinking Red Wine for Heart Health? Read This Before You Toast
  15. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences
  16. Early Menopause: Women’s Experiences – Resources and Information: Quick Links – 1. Question Prompt List
  17. Empoweredtoserve.org [EmPOWERED To Serve]
  18. FAQs: Heart Health for Women
  19. Facts About Heart Disease In Women
  20. Family History
  21. Fasting Diet: Can It Improve My Heart Health?
  22. Fitness
  23. Getting Serious About Heart Health [07 September 2023]
  24. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  25. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  26. Healthy Diet
  27. Healthy Eating
  28. Healthy Lifestyle
  29. Healthy Living
  30. Heart Disease In African-American Women
  31. Heart Disease In Hispanic Women
  32. Heart Disease In Women: Understand Symptoms and Risk Factors
  33. Heart Disease and Stroke In Women
  34. Heart Disease, Family Health History, and Familial Hypercholesterolemia: Family Health History of Heart Disease
  35. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – Questions To Ask Your Doctor
  36. Heart Health After Menopause
  37. Heart Health Information In Your Language: Women and Heart Disease
  38. Heart Health for Women [+ Video]
  39. Heart Palpitations
  40. Heart-Healthy Living
  41. Heart-To-Heart: Talking To Your Doctor
  42. Herbal Supplements and Heart Medicines May Not Mix
  43. Herheart.org [Her Heart]
  44. How To Lower Heart Disease and Breast Cancer Risk At the Same Time
  45. How To Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause
  46. I Forgot To Ask the Doctor – E9: The Menopause: Can Every Woman That Wants It Have HRT?
  47. Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life
  48. Know Your Risk
  49. Know Your Risk for Heart Disease
  50. Knowledge and News on Women: OWH Blog – Women and Heart Health
  51. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause
  52. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Only Happens In Your 50s]
  53. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause]
  54. Life’s Essential 8
  55. Listen To Your Heart: Women and Heart Disease
  56. Mayo Clinic Minute: Are You Getting Enough Sleep for Your Best Heart Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  57. Mayo Clinic Minute: Menopause and the Heart Connection [+ Video]
  58. Mayo Clinic Minute: Obesity and Heart Disease [+ Video]
  59. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs of Coronary Artery Disease, How To Reduce Your Risk [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  60. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Is Heart Disease? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  61. Mayo Clinic Q&A Podcast: Heart Rhythm Problems Need Attention [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  62. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  63. Menopause
  64. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  65. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 5. Lifestyle Advice In Menopause & Perimenopause
  66. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated With Menopause and Midlife
  67. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause
  68. Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
  69. Menopause and Heart Disease
  70. Menopause and Heart Disease
  71. Menopause and Heart Disease: Does HRT Affect Your Risk of Heart and Circulatory Disease?
  72. Menopause and Heart Health
    Heart Disease and Menopause
  73. Menopause and Your Heart
  74. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  75. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
  76. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Chelation for Coronary Heart Disease: What You Need To Know
  77. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245
  78. Nonhormone Treatments for Hot Flashes and Night Sweats
  79. Rethinking Menopausal Hormone Therapy: For Whom, What, When, and How Long?
  80. Q&A: Health Changes During Menopause Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Risk
  81. Read My Lips
  82. Smokefreewomen [United States]
  83. Taking It To Heart: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  84. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks
  85. The Heart Truth
  86. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  87. Tips To Keep Stress From Hurting Your Heart
  88. Tips for Women To Prevent Heart Disease
  89. Video Series-2023: Menopause and Heart Disease
  90. Video Series-2023: NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  91. Video Series-2023: New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  92. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Interviews: Heart Disease, Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease, and Can I Take Hormones?
  93. Webinars: Previous – The Early Menopausal Patient
  94. Webinars: Previous – The Heart of the Matter
  95. What Is Meant By the Term Heart Age?
  96. What Is Menopause? [+ Video]
  97. Why Didn’t Anyone Tell Me This? Episode 3: Dr Annice Mukherjee: Your Essential Menopause Toolkit
  98. Women and Heart Disease
  99. Womenheart.org [WomenHeart: The National Coalition for Women With Heart Disease, United States]
  100. World Heart Day [29 September]

Sources

Where may I find the Sources quoted?

You may find the Sources quoted at:

Sources

  1. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 12 September 2023
  2. Heart Disease: About Heart Disease. Last Reviewed: 15 May 2023. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/heartdisease/about.htm Accessed: 12 September 2023
  3. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 12 September 2023
  4. Menopause and Heart Disease. British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/living-with-a-heart-condition/women-with-a-heart-condition/menopause-and-heart-disease Accessed: 12 September 2023
  5. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated 24 March 2022. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#Why-does-coronary-heart-disease-affect-women-differently? Accessed: 12 September 2023
  6. What Is Menopause? The Menopause Transition – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 04 September 2023 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 12 September 2023
  7. Coronary Heart Disease: Women and Heart Disease – Why Does Coronary Heart Disease Affect Women Differently? Last Updated 24 March 2022. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/coronary-heart-disease/women#Why-does-coronary-heart-disease-affect-women-differently? Accessed: 12 September 2023
  8. Menopause and Heart Disease: Does HRT Affect Your Risk of Heart and Circulatory Disease? British Heart Foundation https://www.bhf.org.uk/heart-health/living-with-a-heart-condition/women-with-a-heart-condition/menopause-and-heart-disease Accessed: 12 September 2023
  9. Williamson, L. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks. 21 February 2023 https://www.heart.org/en/news/2023/02/20/the-connection-between-menopause-and-cardiovascular-disease-risks Accessed: 12 September 2023
  10. Heart Disease: It’s Not Just for Men – You and Your Doctor: A Heart Healthy Partnership. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health-topics/education-and-awareness/heart-truth/heart-disease-not-just-men Accessed: 12 September 2023
Topic Last Updated: 12 September 2023 – Topic Last Reviewed: 12 September 2023

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