Cardiovascular risk assessment in women – an update

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women. Although it is a disease of aging, vascular disease initiates much earlier in life. Thus, there is a need to be aware of the potential to prevent the development of the disease from an early age and continue this surveillance throughout life. The menopausal period and early menopause present an ideal opportunity to assess cardiovascular risk and plan accordingly. Generally in this period, women will be seen by primary health-care professionals and non-cardiovascular specialists. This review addresses female-specific risk factors that may contribute to the potential development of cardiovascular disease. It is important for all health-care professionals dealing with women in midlife and beyond to be cognisant of these risk factors and to initiate female-specific preventative measures or to refer to a cardiovascular specialist.

Keywords:

• Cardiovascular disease
• female-specific cardiovascular risk factors
• management
• smoking
• hypertension
• lipids
• diabetes mellitus
• age at menarche
• polycystic ovary syndrome
• menopausal symptoms
• menopausal hormone therapy
• coronary heart disease
• stroke

Conflict of interest

The authors report no conflict of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.

Source of funding

Nil.