An increase in
bad
LDL cholesterol and a decrease in
good
HDL cholesterol occurs during menopause, according to new research presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting in London. Women transitioning to menopause experience significant changes in their blood cholesterol levels that could potentially harm their heart health, a warning issued by researcher Dr. Stephanie Moreno from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas. report from News Medical.
Heart Disease Risk in Menopausal Women
Heart disease, the leading cause of death in women, accounts for 40% of all female deaths. While women typically develop heart disease a decade later than men, their risk spikes notably after menopause. The study focused on 1,246 women and 1,346 men involved in a long-term heart health study, revealing concerning trends in cholesterol levels among women during and after menopause.
Cholesterol Profile Changes
During the average follow-up period of seven years, women experienced a rise in
bad
LDL cholesterol levels across all menopausal stages. The most significant increase, 8.3%, was observed between menopause and postmenopause, accompanied by a 4.8% reduction in
good
HDL cholesterol levels. When compared to men, menopausal women displayed a staggering 213% surge in
bad
LDL cholesterol. These findings indicate adverse alterations in lipoprotein profiles during menopause, potentially contributing to the upsurge in cardiovascular disease among postmenopausal women. told by NIH.
Implications and Future Research
Dr. Moreno emphasized the need for further research to determine the direct link between these cholesterol changes and heightened heart health risks in menopausal women. While the findings are significant, they are considered preliminary until published in a peer-reviewed journal. These results underscore the importance of monitoring cholesterol levels in menopausal women and considering early interventions to mitigate cardiovascular risks associated with menopause. Stay informed about cholesterol and heart health by visiting the American Heart Association’s website for more information.
