According to the WHO, around ⅓ of female deaths are caused by cardiovascular disease, which amounts to 8.5 million deaths a year. Of these millions of deaths, some may be related to the menopause, as it is associated with cardiovascular risk.
This relationship has become apparent in recent years, due to a number of factors, such as the increase in atherosclerotic disease typical of the climacteric period.
The changes that occur in women's bodies during the transition to menopause are significant, which explains the increase in heart and vascular problems at this time.
To explain more about these risks, we've created this post. Check it out!
What is the relationship between menopause and cardiovascular risk?
The relationship between menopause and cardiovascular risk exists and it is essential to understand which diseases can occur during this period of women's lives:
Coronary artery disease
During their childbearing years, women rarely have coronary artery disease, unlike the data found during the menopause.
According to studies, the rate at which coronary atherosclerotic disease develops in female patients after the menopause is faster than in men.
In fact, from the age of 75, they have around 5% more incidence than men of the same age.
Acute myocardial infarction
Another interesting finding: between the ages of 45 and 64, the number of heart attacks increases by around 45 times compared to women of a younger age.
This discrepant increase is due to a number of reasons, such as hormonal changes, sedentary lifestyles, weight gain, the appearance of diseases such as diabetes that are not treated correctly, and a general lack of health care.
Hypertension
Over the years, especially after the climacteric period and the stabilization of symptoms with the arrival of the menopause, the number of women with high blood pressure gradually increases.
This condition is worrying because, as well as being a health problem, it is also a risk factor for a number of heart diseases, including those mentioned in this post.
Even though there is no cure, specific medication and regular exercise keep blood pressure in balance.
Follow-up with a cardiologist is essential to find out how the condition is doing and whether it is linked to other cardiovascular problems.
Dyslipidemias
The main dyslipidemias found in the menopause are an increase in LDL, a decrease in HDL and an increase in triglycerides.
Although men in the same age group have similar problems, this growth in the female population is significant, especially in the climacteric period.
These problems lead to a high cardiovascular risk, especially for typical atherosclerotic disease.
Controlling total cholesterol and triglyceride levels is essential for the patient's heart health and general state of health.
How can the impact of the menopause on cardiovascular risk be reduced?
Reducing the cardiovascular risk associated with the menopause is the desire of many women, as well as the scientific and medical community.
As well as keeping up to date with cardiology tests and having a specific frequency of check-ups, there is also another option to help: hormone replacement.
However, it is recommended that this be done with the help of a gynecologist, and done as soon as the first symptoms of the climacteric appear, which will make the transition to this new phase of life less complicated and bring fewer health debits.
Now that you know more about the relationship between menopause and cardiovascular risk, take the opportunity to read about obesity and cardiovascular risk in children and adolescents.
