Cardiovascular risk in menopausal women

Abstract

Cardiovascular (CV) disease remains the leading cause of death in women, with multifactorial causes. In women, traditional CV risk factors are associated with an increased risk of CV events, and there are also risk factors that are unique to women. CV risk increases further during menopause. In addition to hormonal changes, menopause is accompanied by adverse metabolic changes, such as the development of an atherogenic lipid profile, weight gain, visceral and epicardial and paracardial fat deposition. Menopausal body composition changes, increased visceral adipose tissue, decreased muscle mass, increased inactivity and adverse atherogenic lipid shifts alter the metabolic profile of the individual and significantly increase CV risk. Therefore, increased attention is recommended regarding lifestyle during menopause. The well-known Mediterranean-type diet can be beneficial in overcoming adverse metabolic changes. Maintaining physical fitness and muscle mass and strength through adequate amounts of exercise is a focus of attention. Hormone therapy may be recommended in selected cases.

Keywords

• menopause
• cardiovascular risk
• atherogenic lipid shift
• lifestyle
• hormone therapy