Study Alert from Cross County Education Team
A new study shows that women’s cardiovascular (CV) risk rises sharply after menopause, becoming similar to men of the same age and health profile.
Study Details
The study looked at 579 post-menopausal women who used statins. Participants had two coronary artery calcium (CAC) scans at least one year apart. CAC is a measure of calcium deposits in the arteries, which can indicate the presence of heart disease.
Between the two scans, women with a baseline CAC of 1-99 saw their CAC rise by a median of 8 points. In comparison, men with a baseline CAC of 1-99 saw their CAC rise by a median of 4 points. This shows that women’s CAC scores increased at double the rate of men’s in this category.
For women with a baseline CAC of 100-399, their CAC scores rose by a median of 31 points. Men in this category saw a median rise of 16 points. This nearly doubled increase in women highlights the heightened risk they face post-menopause.
There was no significant difference between men and women with a baseline CAC of 400 or higher. This suggests that once CAC levels are very high, the progression of calcium buildup may stabilize somewhat between genders.
Why CV Risk Increases After Menopause
After menopause, women have much less estrogen, a hormone that offers some protection against heart disease. They shift to a more testosterone-heavy profile. This hormonal change affects how the body stores and processes fat, leading to an increase in abdominal fat, which is a known risk factor for heart disease.
The way the blood clots also changes post-menopause, increasing the risk of developing blood clots that can lead to heart attacks or strokes. All these changes combined result in a higher cardiovascular risk for post-menopausal women.
What You Can Do
Understanding these risks is important for women after menopause. Regular check-ups and screenings help monitor heart health. By staying informed and proactive, women can take steps to manage their cardiovascular risk.
Take Action
Schedule a check-up with Cross County Cardiology. Our team of experts can provide personalized advice and care tailored to your heart health needs.
Stay informed and proactive about your heart health. Make lifestyle changes such as adopting a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress.
Take charge of your heart health today! Contact us to book your appointment. Regular monitoring and early detection can make a significant difference in maintaining a healthy heart.
