The effect of menopause on Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) risk
Menopause marks a natural decline in estrogen levels, which impacts cardiovascular health by increasing CVD risk. Estrogen, a protective hormone for the heart, helps maintain healthy lipid levels and acts as a vasodilator. When estrogen declines, LDL cholesterol ("bad" cholesterol) tends to rise, while HDL cholesterol ("good" cholesterol) often decreases, contributing to a higher risk of atherosclerosis. Blood vessels may also stiffen, raising hypertension risk—a major CVD factor. Additionally, menopause can cause metabolic shifts, such as increased central obesity and insulin resistance, both linked to CVD. Heart rate variability (HRV) may also reduce, signaling elevated CVD risk. Understanding individual risks, like perimenopause timing and metabolic health, is essential for targeted prevention strategies. Optimizing cardiovascular health during menopause includes lifestyle changes in diet, exercise, and possibly hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Research shows that early HRT introduction can lower CVD risk by up to 30%. Since CVD is the leading cause of death in post-menopausal women, managing these risks is critical to long-term health.
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