Women and Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in post-menopausal women. Studies have shown that a woman’s risk of heart disease is much less than a man’s — presumably because she has naturally protective levels of the hormone estrogen. With menopause, however, her estrogen production decreases. This increases a woman’s risk of heart disease by 2-3 times.

Cholesterol and special proteins combine to form “lipoproteins” which are found in the blood stream. These include LDL (low-density lipoprotein cholesterol) and HDL (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol). Before menopause most women have higher levels of the “good” HDL cholesterol than men. Levels of the “bad” LDL cholesterol tend to rise and HDL levels may decline. In women, lowering levels of HDL are thought to be a greater risk factor to predict heart disease.

For all these reasons it is important to have preventative medicine screening tests done including cholesterol blood tests, usually ordered by your primary care physician. By maintaining a low cholesterol diet, performing regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight and controlling diseases such as diabetes and high blood pressure by careful monitoring and diligent care to take medications as prescribed, you can lower your chance of developing heart disease.

Medical Disclaimer: The information provided in the Contemporary Women’s Care website should be relied upon for medical education purposes only. It is not intended to replace the independent judgment of a health care provider. The appropriateness of a course of treatment for a patient may vary from the medical information provided herein due to individual conditions and/or complications.