Female cardiovascular risk It can increase rapidly after menopause, quickly catching up with men of similar age and health, according to a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Sessions. This study highlights the importance of early detection and early intervention. heart disease risk In postmenopausal women, its protective effect is lost; estrogenHere’s everything you need to know about this new discovery and what it means for women’s heart health.

What does the research say?

postmenopausal womenPatients who were taking statins (a type of drug that helps lower blood levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol) to manage cholesterol had lower coronary artery calcium (CAC) scores, a measure of plaque buildup. underwent a cardiac scan to evaluate the heart’s arteries. This scan detects fat, calcium, and other substances in your arteries, indicating your risk of heart attack or other cardiac events.

Results highlight gender disparity

Analysis of data from 579 postmenopausal women revealed an alarming trend: women are accelerating the rate of plaque buildup compared to men. Women whose baseline CAC levels were between 1 and 99 experienced a median increase of 8 points, which was twice as high as their male counterparts. Similarly, people with baseline CAC levels between 100 and 399 saw a median increase of 31 points, which was approximately twice the increase observed in men.

The role of estrogen and heart health

The decrease in estrogen after menopause contributes significantly to this increased risk. Estrogen, known for its protective effects on heart health, decreases after menopause and alters fat storage, blood clotting, and other processes that affect heart disease risk.

Impact on women’s health

The findings highlight the urgent need to raise awareness of and screen for risk factors for heart disease in postmenopausal women. Statins are commonly prescribed to manage cholesterol, but this study suggests that statins may not be enough to stop plaque buildup in this layer. Future research may explore alternative treatments tailored to postmenopausal women.

Protect your heart health after menopause

Cardiologists emphasize the importance of preventive measures to protect your heart health before and after menopause. lifestyle modifications Maintaining a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, not smoking, and managing stress through activities such as yoga and meditation play important roles in reducing your risk of heart disease.