Why it’s critical women over 40 pay attention to heart health

(Abby Moore/ Mind Body Green) — Significant and adverse changes occur in women’s heart health before and during menopause, but preventive measures, interventions, and monitoring can reduce cardiovascular disease risks. This is all spelled out in a scientific statement released by the American Heart Association.

The statement, titled “Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention” and published in the journal Circulation, synthesizes information from 20 years of research and updates the guidelines for women with recommendations specific to the menopause transition.

In the years leading up to menopause, also known as the menopause transition, women’s ovaries start to produce less estrogen. According to studies, this sex hormone may have cardioprotective benefits; therefore, a lack of estrogen may contribute to an increased risk of heart disease. 

Women who have undergone surgical menopause (i.e., partial or full hysterectomies) may also be at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).  (…)