---
title: Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
date: 2021-05-20T03:00:00-04:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menopause-and-cardiovascular-risk"
section: Resources
---
[Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate)

[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk

New research shows that people who start menopause before the age of forty are at increased risk of future coronary heart disease.

> Among Black and white women, those who experienced premature menopause had a 40% higher risk of developing coronary heart disease over their lifetime, compared to those who did not experience premature menopause. This held true, even after adjusting for known cardiovascular disease risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes and obesity.

[Read the full article ](https://newsroom.heart.org/news/early-menopause-linked-to-higher-risk-of-future-coronary-heart-disease)

SOURCE: American Heart Association • LAST UPDATED: May 20, 2021

![Leighann blackwood G fj Dm Sb e4 unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Leighann Blackwood/Unsplash

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health)
- [ perimenopause, menopause & heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/perimenopause-menopause-heart-health)
- [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease)
- [perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/perimenopause)
- [heart disease risk factors](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease-risk-factors)
- [menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopause)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

Share

[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)

##### More to Explore

[ResourcesListen

## How to Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause

This episode of the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Podcast discusses the links between menopause and heart health, including lifestyles changes to consider.

![national-cancer-institute-DK--4VWK1tw-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEQUlEQVRIiW1WQZLjOAwDKP//gfuFrdrrxBIJ7IG0OzM1KbfbSXcAEZQA8p9//4MBy7ZVUFmCyhYtEiSCjBURsdaKtRjBCJIGLUuurMrKk2ef7OtkZUkVsAEbADw/X29h9++vl//6CLih3m8ChnHZNgDLMiTbtgfXBodv/gt+Pnv4//LS6GHbukoaBAmSLUiWaBkOPGX4pe4lzeK/YO3Wq6+SqyxdVdllWYLVNLBoAQYRpAETsmnbkMww/fROsiRJJZdUpSopVWnpyhyCQbeHACYMAiQYkEiKBh1DQhiS9QNaqlSlMpXpTKmuPGcUtmD3nTZhAiYcga6BBg0KABn9LVsPweAqU3l0TmWq6tpnPxW4oYEmQBAOPjuFg07CZmh6I1VVVSlLmdXQZ+sc5VHVtffdm4rws/YRZrErMdBCkSQgB2h2i1XqtVeeylODvuvsOk1w37NCGwCBwBwukyvCCxdIDK+BMEgCttzqV2ZlNnqdXXvXvuscZ133/WncL3QuMhheYWMBBLsCPDuq8YdgFn5qN/pd+1N3E+QPAUESAQapiBXLDiwDF1HgVADDPwJppP9j7fuufWtvZV735zMKg0EGY0Uowkv2Bb9/1EhkkOyGuRtwss6pfeocNcF96/7UvpvgF/5AX8ux2i0IkEGILI5vOMBxjSpl6kxve/naW/tT90f7Vp5Hogd9xbrW5auPKUmSQZJFoABANsk2hyrl+VsPbu2P9q1zrvvzq2EWQ2t5XZBms5IRDIYYonqTmhG9ryVV+mS1ROfobO2+bu1b++NzrnPfIIKhWFqr1048uLFEiVJLZARtPDnQ5/YcnRFK5+hs97W3cl9n3wAiQuuyLhoBLkZFrViKUiypJBJFWyQBdCh1A54D7DN3n3Qe50GeK/dN0rFamQX2wr1KKmv92C8oO0i3ZVX9VsFjcM50JTJRiaqrziHpEGWD4vIqT3D6dWNTJtqD2G76EPj7qnQVqiBBhn05E2wLpqPRn9CYbBJ6zwgdAp0JaGeuVJWr0QvVcTJbHOaFkvuUdtTIzcwJTsO2NCbxnAAMaDnLmc5yTRQ+6AQCjKuThIwXl3B79GvdsGBCk+VsfZqj0lU9jsz+9tgCYsG4wuMAAT/P4BMJXQdnYpABdkEqVI3cr+hfhx+xECbiionEvhBAjOWhQ23QrX6EDdW76u7W09LHdGIx7EVQVzxu0D7aTF0kh6NFmznnaVXhS5knDTv4IrgcIOjwtUAiAhFN80PWIfBaqOkJyZ4/HiZNjGOct/VpU6F9BaMr+JkI297AGKf+yjs/cv3J0a3CrHaojC+CQX84ngQDerR4xsMZmTznY0YQT9x2bsWkrg3jp4L33tnwUOBNMn4NHz+471aeKKUZDOCZeK+YcSEGtN/hjyLe8fY3Dryd/xpsSADRssK4XkjMWNKPL+7kWM8FxDuYPuPp15yKEWYQYIL4Hwdo99cfgbRPAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC)

This episode of the Ridgecrest Regional Hospital Podcast discusses the links between menopause and heart health, including lifestyles changes to consider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-prevent-heart-disease-after-menopause)

[ResourcesWatch

## High Blood Pressure During Pregnancy, Menopausal Symptoms, and Risk of Heart Disease

A video overview of a new study that showed that women who experienced hot flashes and night sweats during menopause were also more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy. Both are indicators of a higher risk of heart disease.

![Menopause](data:image/png;base64,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)

A video overview of a new study that showed that women who experienced hot flashes and night sweats during menopause were also more likely to have high blood pressure during pregnancy. Both are indicators of a higher risk of heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menopausal-symptoms-and-risk-of-heart-disease)

[ResourcesWatch

## Heart Palpitations and Menopause

This video discusses the symptoms of heart palpitations, or irregular heartbeats, that may occur around menopause.

![heart-EKG](data:image/png;base64,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)

This video discusses the symptoms of heart palpitations, or irregular heartbeats, that may occur around menopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-palpitations-and-menopause)

[ResourcesRead

## Your Menopause Questions

The Women Living Better website covers topics and questions related to menopause, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle.

![pexels-centre-for-ageing-better-9710825](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Women Living Better website covers topics and questions related to menopause, perimenopause, and the menstrual cycle.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/your-menopause-questions)

[ResourcesRead

## Menopause Glossary

An extremely detailed, even comprehensive, glossary of terminology related to menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.

![Colorful tiles](data:image/png;base64,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)

An extremely detailed, even comprehensive, glossary of terminology related to menopause, perimenopause, and postmenopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menopause-glossary)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1)

[Stories & ConversationsRead

## Living with Congestive Heart Failure

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAACRUlEQVRIiY1WSZIkIQyTCM7Tp/7/T9EcAFsGpmoyMrJpFknecPH3zw8AXm+7ZiD4o/2d77CxoBh3vB7+z6yem2LrWn4Q0AYpv+ILIKEvNMD0BO1sYH14C9meuowmQJoFBDA1fQM9odYZPW1hd8mT84PwB3T4+x8uKzG4s6i5BbTTgva8NgcJiQdHf6InB9HWKkMsAe24SXNSiaLgvSxwmkaeFphYHGY5KDMsSWBhJIHG4iVfivo6hFNQsCdHcRFvRzWAIF85CICaSaHlGBMef/ud02SMyaNMivyi1GJbONo7eyv6/jcEWOpuci0XzCsoa6a98IEiOqwqAU94ZmDMSs6ZhmuNAUdE6eXorDrKx7Y0OZqu4vt2fQGADtWELMEMkx2P2SMXFwTqHnBdP/dBH58WuJDyVUG5t90vouE8FzTvR57qhq0+casz1G8JA5pxHkCDRhSwlutrm5Q1S1UCAXgQaB0jgSFwpQZhqscD/USYJiTBOO+JxcEMcNE+zF1DGEV+dp+uPMnYzQWpti8czyInGEjoYehJMIUPABDjylMizrsMwqyjyqGx5C/0IR3Z1T1JhmWNRPGoXGXmEAOQiq/cSyuxha5dUMcjaHarfZuy5ILSJ+mlkrgrzGnBKOjZv/ZdoyMM1e/+y07hooyBgLY5wqZh/iH2UZ4cte52hHch9OimY98uqb200ogDVz5ciW/ez6dHgkCJqxc6U1ZWNbb84KsE6ip8GYCAjpSlbTCi93eTWtN3nnAUojNdndmPHAP/FfkX2vzAGfoFHPQAAAAASUVORK5CYII=)

TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Interacting with My Cardiologist

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.

![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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)

TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)