Menopause Linked to Higher ASCVD Risk

Researchers analysed the data of 222,007 UK Biobank participants — women aged 40-69 years without prior cardiovascular disease who reported their menopausal status — to evaluate the association between menopause and the 10-year risk for ASCVD. Of these participants, 158,572 (71.4%) were postmenopausal and 63,435 (28.6%) were premenopausal.

The estimated 10-year risk for ASCVD (expressed in percentage) was assessed using a pooled cohort equation score, with a score ≥ 7.5% being classified as high risk and < 7.5% being classified as low risk.

The authors concluded that the usual assessment of cardiovascular disease risk should include menopausal status, and preventive strategies should be tailored to this population group, with particular attention to lipid control, blood pressure control, glucose regulation, and lifestyle changes.