After menopause, what happens to women's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

After menopause, women's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) increases significantly, reaching levels comparable to that of men. This change is primarily due to the decline in estrogen levels, which previously helped protect women's cardiovascular health. Estrogen has various protective effects on the vascular system, including maintaining flexibility in blood vessels, regulating cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation.

Once menopause occurs, the protective effects of estrogen are diminished, leading to an increased risk of hypertension, cholesterol imbalances, and other risk factors associated with CVD. Consequently, the risk profile for women becomes more similar to that of men, especially as they age further into their post-menopausal years. This shift highlights the importance of monitoring heart health in women after menopause and adopting preventive measures to manage risk factors associated with cardiovascular disease.