Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease

“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…”.1

Umbrella

What may the Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Umbrella include?

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

  • Cardiovascular Conditions
  • Cardiovascular Disease/s (CVD/CVDs)
  • Cardiovascular Disorders
  • Diseases/Disorders of the Heart and Blood Vessels
  • Diseases/Disorders of the Heart and Circulatory System
  • Heart Disease/s
  • Heart and Circulatory Disease
  • Stroke

Cardiovascular Diseases

What are cardiovascular diseases (CVDs)?

DotS the definition of CVDs may vary. In Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): What Are Cardiovascular Diseases? the World Health Organization’s (WHO) definition is:

“Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a group of disorders of the heart and blood vessels and they include:

  • Coronary heart disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the heart muscle
  • Cerebrovascular disease – a disease of the blood vessels supplying the brain
  • Peripheral arterial disease – a disease of blood vessels supplying the arms and legs
  • Rheumatic heart disease – damage to the heart muscle and heart valves from rheumatic fever, caused by streptococcal bacteria
  • Congenital heart disease – birth defects that affect the normal development and functioning of the heart caused by malformations of the heart structure from birth; and
  • Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism – blood clots in the leg veins, which can dislodge and move to the heart and lungs”.2

Age

As women age, does their risk of CVD increase?

The (Australian) Jean Hailes for Women’s Health (JH) note:

“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

Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk Factors

What are menopause and CVD risk factors?

In What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health the JH note:

“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”.4

In Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk Factors: Does Menopause Increase A Woman’s Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke? the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women elaborate on:

“Cardiovascular risk factors that every woman should know about include:

  • Age at the time of menopause. Women who reach menopause before age 45 have a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease…
  • The cause and timing of menopause. Menopause caused by surgical removal of both ovaries at an early age can lead to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease…
  • Estrogen. Levels of estrogen, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed and open, start to decline markedly as menopause approaches…
  • Hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common menopause-related symptoms and can last up to 10 years….
  • Depression and sleep problems. In some studies, depression and sleep disturbances were linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Increased visceral fat. This type of fat, in the abdominal cavity near vital organs, is associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease and cancer.
  • Cholesterol levels and metabolic syndrome risk. These cardiovascular risk factors appear to increase with menopause beyond the effects of normal aging…”.5

Prevention

Is CVD preventable?

In What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health the JH note:

“You can reduce the risk of heart disease by having a healthy lifestyle.
For example:

  • Eat a healthy and nutritious diet
  • Do regular exercise
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Don’t smoke
  • Limit alcohol intake”.6

Know Your Numbers

What numbers do women (and men) need to know?

In Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life the (United States) Go Red for Women elaborate on:

Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease“Talk to your healthcare provider today to learn about your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and BMI (Body Mass Index)”.8

Heart Check

What may a heart check include?

In What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health the JH also note:

“You can also see your doctor for a heart check. They will take your blood pressure and test your blood to determine your risk factors. If you have a high risk of heart disease, your doctor may prescribe medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol”.9

WISEWOMAN Program

What is the (United States) WISEWOMAN program?

Your Country may have a program similar to the WISEWOMAN Program. In WISEWOMAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What Is the WISEWOMAN Program? the (United States) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) elaborate on:

“The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) WISEWOMAN program is at the forefront of the nation’s efforts to achieve optimal cardiovascular health for persons 35-64 years old. The program focuses on women who are uninsured, underinsured, or have lower incomes”.10

Health Care Provider

What if I think I have CVD or I have a family history of CVD?

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

In Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risk Go Red for Women note:

“Talk to your health care team about your risk factors and how to prevent cardiovascular disease before, during and after menopause”.11

Health Topics A-Z

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

In Health Topics A-Z you may find:

Health Topics A-Z

Links

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

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. Askearlymenopause.org [Ask EM] [+ Video: What Is Early Menopause?]
  2. BMS TV: Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)
  3. Be A Force for Change. Know the Signs. Get Your Heart Checked. [Video]
  4. CVS Health Screenings [+ Video]
  5. CAMS Menopause Hour: The Menopause Journey: Navigating Cardiometabolic Risk In Women [Council of Affiliated Menopause Societies]
  6. Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors and Heart Attack Warning Signs In Women
  7. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs)
  8. Cardiovascular Risks May Be Worse for Thinking, Memory Skills In Middle-Aged Women
  9. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Menopause and Heart Disease
  10. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – NAMS 2023 Nonhormone Therapies Position Statement for Bothersome Menopause Symptoms
  11. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – New FDA-Approved Nonhormone Option for the Treatment of Hot Flashes
  12. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Premature and Early Menopause
  13. Consumer Video and Podcast Series: 2023 Consumer Videos and Podcasts – Preparing for Your Menopause Health Care Visit
  14. Doing These 8 Things May Greatly Lower Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke
  15. Factors Impacting Women’s Cardiovascular Health Across the Lifespan
  16. Find A Menopause Practitioner [United States and Other]
  17. Find An AMS Doctor [Australasian Menopause Society i.e. Australia and New Zealand]
  18. Find Your Nearest BMS Menopause Specialist [British Menopause Society]
  19. Flavonoids Are A Flavorful Way To Boost Heart and Brain Health
  20. Getting Serious About Heart Health: Risk Factors for Cholesterol
    Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease
  21. Goredforwomen.org [Go Red for Women, United States]
  22. Guidance on Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  23. Heart Health
  24. Heart Health for Women
  25. Heart Health for Women
  26. Heart Palpitations
  27. Herheart.org
  28. How Menopause Impacts Your Health
  29. Improving Heart Health At Midlife and Beyond Could Lower Future Risk of Stroke, Dementia
  30. Is Menopause Making Me Put on Weight? No, But It’s Complicated
  31. Joint Position Statement By the British Menopause Society, Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and Society for Endocrinology on Best Practice Recommendations for the Care of Women Experiencing the Menopause
  32. KnowDiabetesbyHeart
  33. Know Your Numbers
  34. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – After the Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  35. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Early and Premature Menopause [Other Languages and Formats]
  36. Later Years (Around 50 Years and Over): Menopause and Post Menopause Health – Menopause [+ Video: Menopause Myths] [Other Languages and Formats]
  37. Menopause and Cardiovascular DiseaseLet’s Talk About Perimenopause
  38. Life’s Essential 8
  39. Looking After Yourself
  40. Mayo Clinic Minute: Are You Getting Enough Sleep for Your Best Heart Health? [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  41. Mayo Clinic Minute: Menopause and the Heart Connection [+ Video]
  42. Mayo Clinic Minute: Perimenopause and Menopause [+ Video]
  43. Mayo Clinic Minute: Signs of Coronary Artery Disease, How To Reduce Your Risk [+ Video]
  44. Mayo Clinic Minute: The Link Between Heart Disease and Stroke [+ Video Courtesy: Mayo Clinic News Network]
  45. Mayo Clinic Minute: What Women Need To Know About Stroke [+ Video]
  46. Menopausal Hormone Therapy, Heart Disease and Stroke
  47. Menopause
  48. Menopause
  49. Menopause Can Bring Increased Cholesterol Levels and Other Heart Risks. Here’s Why and What To Do About It
  50. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Questions for Your Health Care Provider
  51. Menopause Map: Downloadable Resources – My Personal Path Print Tools: Symptom Tracker
  52. Menopause Patient Information [Videos] 2. Talking To Your GP About Menopause
  53. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Common Conditions Associated with Menopause and Midlife
  54. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: Lifestyle Tips for Menopause Wellness
  55. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit Video Series: What Is Menopause?
  56. Menopause Preparedness Toolkit: A Woman’s Empowerment Guide
  57. Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
  58. Menopause: Ensuring A Tranquil Transition
  59. Menopause: Things You Can Do
  60. Menopause: Understanding the Changes and Finding Relief | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 256
  61. Million Hearts
  62. Mymenoplan.org [My Menoplan, United States]
  63. National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health: Cardiovascular Disease
  64. Navigating Menopause: Expert Insights and Solutions | Dr Susan Davis | The Proof Podcast EP 245 [Video]
  65. Navigating Menopause: Honest Answers To All Your Questions [+ Video: What To Expect in Menopause]
  66. People Who Follow These 8 Heart Health Metrics May Live Years Longer
  67. Perimenopause
  68. Perimenopause
  69. Perimenopause and Menopause Checklist: Translated Checklists
  70. Perimenopause and Menopause Symptom Checklist
    Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease
  71. Q&A: Health Changes During Menopause Associated With Increased Cardiovascular Risk
  72. Risk Factors
  73. Staying Healthy During and After Menopause
  74. Smokefreewomen [United States]
  75. Stroke
  76. Taking It To Heart: Addressing Cardiovascular Disease In Women [Video]
  77. The Connection Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risks
  78. The Heart Truth [National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, United States]
  79. The Menopausal Transition Period and Cardiovascular Risk
  80. The Slowly Evolving Truth About Heart Disease and Women
  81. The Truth About Menopause Supplements | Dr Sarah Berry [Video]
  82. Tips To Help Manage Menopause Symptoms
  83. Video: Leslie Cho, MD, Discusses CV Risks, Benefits of Menopausal Hormone Therapy
  84. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Cardiovascular Disease In Women
  85. Videos & Podcasts: Videos – Menopause and Hormone Therapy: Current Perspectives and Controversies
  86. Videos and Podcasts: Videos – Heart Disease, Risk Factors of Developing Heart Disease, and Can I Take Hormones?
  87. WISEWOMAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
  88. Webinars: Previous – Cardiovascular Disease
  89. Webinars: Previous – Non-Hormonal Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  90. Webinars: Previous – Non-Pharmacological Interventions For VMS
  91. Webinars: Previous – Recommendations on Cardiovascular Risk Assessment
  92. Webinars: Previous – The Heart of the Matter
  93. What Is Cardiovascular Disease?
    Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease
  94. Womenheart.org [WomenHeart, United States]
  95. World Heart Day [29 September]
  96. World Menopause Day 2023
    Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease
  97. World Menopause Day 2023: Patient Information Leaflet – Cardiovascular Disease: What Women Need To Know [Multiply Languages]
  98. World Menopause Day 2024: Leaflet for Women [Multiply Languages]
  99. World Menopause Day 2024: Poster for Women
  100. World Stroke Day

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: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 16 November 2024
  2. Cardiovascular Diseases (CVDs): What Are Cardiovascular Diseases? 11 June 2021. World Health Organization https://www.who.int/en/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cardiovascular-diseases-(cvds) Accessed: 16 November 2024
  3. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 16 November 2024
  4. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 16 November 2024
  5. Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Last Reviewed: 12 September 2024. Go Red for Women https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/menopause/menopause-and-cardiovascular-risk Accessed: 16 November 2024
  6. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 16 November 2024
  7. Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life. Go Red for Women https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/know-your-numbers Accessed: 16 November 2024
  8. What Is Menopause? Perimenopause, Menopause and Postmenopause – Postmenopause: Heart Health. Last Updated: 31 October 2024 | Last Reviewed: 19 August 2022. Jean Hailes for Women’s Health https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/health-a-z/menopause/about-menopause Accessed: 16 November 2024
  9. WISEWOMAN Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): What Is the WISEWOMAN Program? 15 May 2024. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention https://www.cdc.gov/wisewoman/php/faqs/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/wisewoman/faqs.htm Accessed: 16 November 2024
  10. Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease Risk. Last Reviewed: 12 September 2024. Go Red for Women https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/menopause/menopause-and-cardiovascular-risk Accessed: 16 November 2024
Topic Last Updated: 21 November 2024 – Topic Last Reviewed: 16 November 2024

Print Friendly, PDF & Email
/by