--- title: Menopause and Heart Disease Risk date: 2025-01-24T11:12:00-05:00 author: Jonese Austin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menopause-and-heart-disease-risk" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Menopause and Heart Disease Risk This article from the American Heart Association addresses menopause and heart disease risk. As we age, our risk for cardiovascular disease increases. This risk is affected by several factors related to menopause. The earlier we reach menopause, even when caused by the surgical removal of ovaries, the higher our risk of heart disease. The change in hormones can also affect our risk. A decrease in estrogen can increase cholesterol and contribute to heart disease and stroke. Some menopausal symptoms correlate to higher heart disease risks. These include hot flashes, night sweats, depression, and sleep problems. > A woman’s risk for cardiovascular disease rises as she ages. Some changes in the body are relevant to cardiovascular risk. [Read the full article ](https://www.goredforwomen.org/en/know-your-risk/menopause/menopause-and-cardiovascular-risk) SOURCE: American Heart Association • LAST UPDATED: September 12, 2024 ![A Black woman doctor sits with her patient, reviewing medical results on a tablet](data:image/png;base64,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) Seventyfour/Adobe Stock ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health) - [ menopause & perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/menopause-perimenopause) - [ perimenopause, menopause & heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/perimenopause-menopause-heart-health) - [cardiovascular risk](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-risk) - [cardiovascular disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/cardiovascular-disease) - [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease) - [heart disease risk factors](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease-risk-factors) - [menopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopause) - [perimenopause](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/perimenopause) - [menopausal hormone treatment](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/menopausal-hormone-treatment) ![](/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 [ResourcesRead ## Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk Starting menopause before age 40 increases the risk of future coronary heart disease ![Leighann blackwood G fj Dm Sb e4 unsplash scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Starting menopause before age 40 increases the risk of future coronary heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/menopause-and-cardiovascular-risk) [ResourcesRead ## Caring for Heart Health during Menopause This article discusses concrete ways we can make a plan to protect our heart health, including how to calculate our risk and recognize the often different signs of heart disease in women during menopause. ![A white woman with short gray hair sits on a couch with her hand on her chest as though having chest pains](data:image/png;base64,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) This article discusses concrete ways we can make a plan to protect our heart health, including how to calculate our risk and recognize the often different signs of heart disease in women during menopause.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/caring-for-heart-health-during-menopause) [ResourcesRead ## Postmenopausal Heart Health: What to Expect This article describes how menopausal changes can increase heart disease risk and how we can minimize those risks. ![An older woman with short hair who appears to be South Asian and is wearing a blue shirt gets her blood pressure checked by a Black woman in a white coat. She has a stethoscope wrapped around her neck, and her hair is styled in braids.](data:image/png;base64,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) This article describes how menopausal changes can increase heart disease risk and how we can minimize those risks.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/postmenopausal-heart-health-what-to-expect) [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,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) 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) [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) [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,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) 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) [ResourcesRead ## A Toolbox for Coping with Anxiety amid Heart Failure Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient. ![lenin-estrada-GCpyNh39kOc-1024x683](data:image/png;base64,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) Our Bodies Ourselves content expert Maggie Teliska offers tools to cope with anxiety, from the perspective of a heart failure patient.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-toolbox-for-coping-with-anxiety-amid-heart-failure)