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A recent study conducted by researchers from Karolinska Institutet and Linköping University has uncovered a significant association between severe, persistent hot flushes during menopause and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease. Published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, this research highlights concerning connections between menopausal symptoms and heart health.
The study analyzed data from a population-based survey involving 3,000 women aged 50 to 65. Among those who reported severe hot flushes, 40% also had evidence of atherosclerosis in the coronary artery, a condition that increases the risk of myocardial infarction. In contrast, only about 30% of women experiencing mild or no hot flushes showed similar signs of coronary artery disease.
Karin Leander, a docent of epidemiology at the Institute for Environmental Medicine at Karolinska Institutet, emphasized the implications of these findings: “Our results support the hypothesis that there is a significant association between hot flushes and an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease, aligning with previous studies conducted in the US.”
The research utilized advanced imaging techniques, including coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA), to assess the coronary arteries of participants. This detailed examination allowed researchers to establish a clearer link between severe hot flushes and subclinical atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease.
Leander also pointed out the importance of integrating cardiovascular risk assessment into the care of women experiencing severe hot flushes: “We hope that healthcare providers will consider cardiovascular risk when treating women with severe menopausal symptoms. Preventative care could be crucial for this group.”
Looking ahead, the researchers plan to explore further associations, including the impact of estrogen supplements on cardiovascular and dementia-related diseases. This ongoing research aims to deepen the understanding of how menopausal symptoms might influence long-term health outcomes.
For more information, refer to the study: Sigrid Nilsson et al, “Menopausal Vasomotor Symptoms and Subclinical Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: A Population-Based Study,” Journal of the American Heart Association (2024). DOI: 10.1161/JAHA.123.033648.
