Cholesterol can affect heart health.
A recent study has revealed that menopause may adversely affect cholesterol levels in women, potentially elevating their risk of heart disease. The research, showcased at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting in London, indicates that menopause is linked to an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol and a decrease in “good” HDL cholesterol.
Dr. Stephanie Moreno from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center noted that these alterations in cholesterol profiles suggest menopause could lead to a more hazardous lipid profile, thereby raising the likelihood of cardiovascular conditions such as coronary artery disease. Since heart disease is the leading cause of death among women, accounting for 40% of female fatalities, understanding these changes is crucial.
The study analyzed cholesterol data from 1,246 women and 1,346 men participating in a long-term heart health study. Results showed that LDL cholesterol levels increased in all women over an average follow-up period of seven years. The most notable rise occurred during the transition from menopause to postmenopause, with LDL levels increasing by 8.3%. Postmenopausal women also experienced a 4.8% reduction in HDL cholesterol.
Conversely, there was a striking 213% increase in LDL cholesterol in menopausal women compared to their premenopausal levels. These findings highlight a concerning trend in cholesterol levels associated with menopause, which may help explain the higher rates of cardiovascular disease observed in postmenopausal women.
Dr. Moreno suggested that these cholesterol changes might clarify why the risk of heart disease rises after menopause and underscore the importance of considering preventive measures earlier. Further research is needed to explore whether these cholesterol shifts directly correlate with a heightened risk of cardiovascular issues.
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