Increased coronary risk
A major study by the US health system Northwestern Medicine has found that women who enter menopause before age 40 face roughly a 40% higher lifetime risk of developing coronary heart disease compared to those who experience menopause later.
Study details and findings
The study, published in JAMA Cardiology, analysed data from over 10,000 women in six long-term US studies between 1964 and 2018. Early menopause, defined as occurring before 40, and premature menopause, between 40 and 45, were both linked to higher cardiovascular risk.
Even after accounting for risk factors such as smoking, obesity, hypertension, and diabetes, early menopause was associated with a 41% higher risk for Black women and 39% for White women. Researchers noted that early menopause occurs three times more frequently in Black women (15.5%) than White women (4.8%), reflecting structural inequalities and health disparities as well as biological factors.
Hormonal changes affect heart health
While it is unclear whether menopause itself directly increases cardiovascular risk or if affected women already have a predisposition, the hormonal changes of menopause play a key role. Reduced estrogen levels can trigger physiological changes that elevate the risk of coronary heart disease, even when menopause occurs at the typical age of 51.
Implications for medical practice
The study highlights a gap in healthcare: menopause is still primarily treated as a gynecological issue, despite its systemic effects, including on cardiovascular health. The findings suggest that doctors should routinely ask women about the age they entered menopause to identify those at higher risk and provide timely preventive care.
Source: CNA
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