On World Menopause Day, groundbreaking research spearheaded by the International Menopause Society (IMS) has shed light on a concerning trend - women's vulnerability to cardiovascular diseases increases as they navigate the complex journey of aging. This comprehensive study establishes that menopause plays a pivotal role in amplifying the risk of female-specific cardiovascular diseases.
The research, an in-depth exploration of factors unique to women, encompassed critical phases such as menstruation, menopause, and the severe repercussions of pregnancy. The findings underscore the critical importance of recognizing and addressing these risk factors, not only to empower women but also to equip healthcare providers with the tools to mitigate the development of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and related conditions that imperil heart health, potentially leading to heart diseases, strokes, and vascular dementia.
Cardiovascular disease remains the foremost cause of death among women globally. According to the World Heart Federation, CVD is the prevailing non-communicable malady worldwide, responsible for an alarming 20.5 million fatalities each year.
Moreover, the study's observations unveil a startling statistic: CVDs account for a staggering 35 percent of female mortalities, surpassing the death toll of breast cancer by over 13 times and eclipsing the combined fatalities from all types of cancers.
Identifying Risk Factors for CVDs in Women A multitude of factors contributes to the upsurge in cardiovascular diseases among women. These factors encompass hypertension, diabetes, elevated blood lipid levels, as well as lifestyle choices such as unhealthy diets, sedentary living, smoking, and exposure to air pollution.
Rising Incidence of Early Menopause in Women The study also unveils a disconcerting trend - an increasing number of women in their forties are experiencing early menopause, marked by troublesome symptoms like hot flashes, weight gain, and mood swings. While genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors play a role in this phenomenon, the implications of early menopause are substantial, especially for women seeking support or striving to make health-conscious alterations.
The report underscores that women frequently seek guidance from healthcare professionals regarding symptom management and potential treatment options. In a remarkable discovery, a team of multinational researchers identified approximately a dozen genes responsible for constructing coronary arteries, indirectly influencing the onset of coronary heart diseases. This revelation opens the door to new insights and potential interventions in the realm of heart health.
World Menopause Day 2023: Which Foods to Avoid During Menopause
Managing This Issue in Women After Menopause, Essential Care and Information