Doctors warn menopause can raise heart disease risk

The American Heart Association is urging women to pay closer attention to heart health during perimenopause and menopause, when cardiovascular risk can rise. OB-GYN and AHA board member Dr. Jen Ashton says hormone changes can affect cholesterol, blood pressure and other heart-health markers.

Why it matters: - The years around menopause mark a major shift in cardiovascular risk, according to the American Heart Association. - Perimenopause is one of the least-discussed turning points in women’s heart health, but doctors say it is one of the most important times to assess risk. - Women can spend decades in postmenopause, so early awareness can shape heart-health decisions for years.

What happened: - Dr. Jen Ashton, an OB-GYN, best-selling author and American Heart Association board member, shared guidance on menopause and heart health. - Ashton said perimenopause can bring hot flashes, sleep issues and hormonal changes that affect more than comfort. - Ashton said those changes can also affect cholesterol, blood pressure and other aspects of heart health. - Ashton said menopause does not cause heart disease, but a woman’s risk of heart disease can rise during this life stage. - The American Heart Association directed women to more information on protecting heart health before, during and after menopause.

The details: - Perimenopause is the transition leading up to menopause. - Experts say this is an important time to check in on heart health. - Ashton said recognizing these changes and understanding personal risk factors is critical. - Ashton said understanding risk factors today can help women take charge of heart health for years to come.

Between the lines: - The message shifts menopause from a reproductive-health milestone to a broader cardiovascular checkpoint. - The AHA is trying to push earlier prevention, not just treatment after symptoms or disease appear. - The framing suggests women should treat hormone-related symptoms as possible signals to review blood pressure, cholesterol and overall risk.

What's next: - Women are being encouraged to learn more about heart health before, during and after menopause. - The American Heart Association is steering readers to GoRedForWomen.org/Menopause for additional guidance. - The public-health focus is likely to stay on risk-factor awareness as more women move through longer postmenopausal years.