The menopausal transition can impact different aspects of health, including cardiovascular health. Understanding the relationship between menopause and cardiovascular health is very important for supporting overall wellbeing during and after this stage of life.
Research has shown that the transition to menopause is associated with a higher likelihood of developing certain cardiovascular disease risk factors, and therefore cardiovascular disease. Additionally, the risk for cardiovascular disease is even greater for individuals who experience early menopause (menopause before 45 years old).
Why does this happen? It is because oestrogen has a protective effect on the heart and during menopause the levels of oestrogen fall.
Click on the different cardiovascular disease risk factors associated with menopause to learn more about them.
- For a refresher on the risk factors for developing cardiovascular disease, refer back to this page in the module.
Managing menopause symptoms effectively can help to overall heart health. This will be discussed further in additional pages.
