What potential cardiovascular risk is associated with menopause?

During menopause, significant hormonal changes occur, particularly a decline in estrogen levels. Estrogen has protective effects on the cardiovascular system, including maintaining the flexibility of blood vessels and supporting healthy cholesterol levels. When estrogen levels decrease, women experience changes in their cardiovascular risk profile, which contributes to an increased risk of developing heart disease. This includes factors such as higher blood pressure, unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels (specifically increased LDL and decreased HDL), and a higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome.

Understanding this context is crucial, as cardiovascular diseases are a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among postmenopausal women. Monitoring and managing cardiovascular health becomes particularly important during and after this transition in a woman's life to mitigate these risks.