As October marks Menopause Awareness Month, the American Heart Association and The Menopause Society are drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of women's health: the link between menopause and cardiovascular disease. With an estimated 6,000 women in the U.S. enter menopause every day, understanding this transition is essential. Many women spend about 40% of their lives in postmenopause, making midlife a pivotal time to focus on heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death in women, yet only 4 in 10 women recognize it as their greatest health threat.
The menopause transition, which includes perimenopause and postmenopause, brings significant changes that can affect heart health. While menopause itself does not cause cardiovascular disease, factors such as rising LDL cholesterol, increased body fat around organs, and stiffening blood vessels can elevate risk. By the time women reach menopause, approximately 90% have at least one risk factor for heart disease. Dr. Chrisandra L. Shufelt of The Menopause Society emphasizes that this is an important window for prevention: "This is an important window to identify risk factors early, address them proactively and help women protect their cardiovascular health for decades to come."
Beyond traditional risk factors, emerging research highlights other concerns. A 2026 American Heart Association scientific statement notes that menopause and aging can accelerate chronic kidney disease, which contributes to heart disease and stroke risk. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that after menopause, an estimated 1 in 4 women may develop atrial fibrillation, with stress and insomnia as contributing factors.
To help women navigate this transition, the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women menopause resource center and menopause.org offer tools and information, including directories to find certified practitioners. Experts recommend knowing your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, kidney health), staying active, eating healthy, prioritizing sleep, managing stress, and discussing personal risk factors with a healthcare team. As Dr. Jen Ashton states, "Every woman deserves access to information, support and resources that help her make informed decisions and feel her best." For more details, visit heart.org or stroke.org. The original release is available at www.newmediawire.com.
