Healthy living
Body matters
Why women need cholesterol checks
Post-menopausal women need regular cholesterol checks, say researchers
High cholesterol and heart disease are often thought of as typically male health problems, but research shows that the menopause triggers raised cholesterol levels, which, if undetected, may increase your risk of heart disease and stroke
Women are nine times more likely to die of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than breast cancer, according to a survey commissioned by Flora pro.activ. Their study, Check for Change reveals that 76 per cent of women were unaware of the link between menopause and raised cholesterol levels - in the 10 years after the menopause women are four times more likely to contract heart disease.
Dr Heather Currie, founder and MD of Menopause Matters Ltd and associate specialist gynaecologist and obstetrician at Dumfries and Galloway Royal Infirmary in Scotland commented, ‘It’s time to put the cholesterol risk to heart health on the map as heart disease is killing more women than the next five causes of death put together, breast cancer included. It is clear that routine cholesterol checks and better education are paramount in preventing unnecessary deaths from heart disease.’
Fortunately, for most menopausal women, raised cholesterol levels can be reduced by simple diet and lifestyle choices, such as cutting out saturated fat, maintaining a healthy weight and by keeping active.
The report indicates that 46 per cent of women would prefer to take steps to control cholesterol levels before a problem develops, rather than wait until medication becomes necessary. However, early cardiovascular risk assessment including cholesterol testing is essential to ensure they receive the right advice on how to guard against CVD later in life.
The Check for Change Report is the most comprehensive study into the link between the menopause and raised cholesterol. Welcomed by H.E.A.R.T UK - The Cholesterol Charity - the report finds that only 24 per cent of women aged over 45 associate the menopause with raised cholesterol levels. Women aged over 45 will experience hormonal changes, including a decline in oestrogen levels before and during the menopause. This causes their cholesterol levels to rise along with other changes in lipid levels, leaving women statistically four times more likely to contract heart disease in the 10 years after the menopause than they were before.
Dr Currie said 'Importantly, among the common side effects such as hot flushes and night sweats, raised cholesterol is a symptom that menopausal women can control. Life is full of misconceptions and it's time to change them and save lives.'
More on cardiovascular health
- Women and heart disease
- What's your risk of heart disease?
- Mediterranean diet lowers risk of heart disease
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Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
