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Post-menopausal women may face an increased risk of heart disease compared to men of the same age, according to a new study presented at the American College of Cardiology conference in Atlanta. The research suggests that the decline in estrogen levels after menopause could lead to accelerated plaque buildup in the arteries, potentially negating the protective effects of cholesterol-lowering statin medications.
Led by Dr. Ella Ishaaya, an internal medicine doctor at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in Torrance, CA, the study investigated the impact of menopause on heart health and cholesterol management. The findings shed light on the need for enhanced screening and treatment strategies tailored specifically to post-menopausal women.
“After menopause, women experience significant hormonal changes, including a decline in estrogen levels,” explains Dr. Ishaaya. “These hormonal shifts can affect various aspects of cardiovascular health, increasing the risk of heart disease.”
The study analyzed data from post-menopausal women and men of similar ages who were taking statin medications to manage cholesterol levels. Participants underwent coronary artery calcium (CAC) screenings, a test that detects plaque buildup in the arteries, twice over a one-year period. The results revealed that post-menopausal women experienced a faster rate of plaque accumulation compared to men, despite both groups receiving statin therapy.
“We observed that post-menopausal women who were taking statins exhibited a more rapid increase in CAC scores, indicating greater plaque buildup, than their male counterparts,” notes Dr. Ishaaya. “These findings suggest that traditional approaches to cholesterol management may not be sufficient to mitigate heart disease risk in post-menopausal women.”
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death among women in the United States, underscoring the importance of tailored screening and treatment strategies for this population. Dr. Ishaaya emphasizes the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to address the unique risk factors faced by post-menopausal women.
“Women, especially those who have undergone menopause, often face a lack of awareness and underscreening for heart disease,” says Dr. Ishaaya. “Our study highlights the importance of enhanced screening measures, such as CAC testing, to identify and address cardiovascular risks in post-menopausal women.”
The research underscores the significance of considering hormonal changes and gender-specific factors in cardiovascular risk assessment and management. Moving forward, efforts to improve heart disease prevention and treatment should prioritize the unique needs of post-menopausal women to reduce the burden of cardiovascular illness in this population.
