It has long been known that women before menopause are less “heart-endangered” compared to men. This changes around the time of menopause. According to a new US study, the cause is mainly due to an increase in “bad” LDL cholesterol in the blood, as discussed at the European Cardiology Congress in London (August 30 to September 2).
“During and after menopause, there is an increase in ‘bad’ low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles and a decrease in ‘good’ high-density (HDL) blood fats,” study author Stephanie Moreno from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas was quoted on Tuesday in a statement from the European Society of Cardiology (ESC). “Taken together, these changes suggest that menopause is associated with a transition to a higher-risk lipoprotein profile that is more likely to cause cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease.”
Most Common Cause of Death in Women
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the most common cause of death in women, although they are mistakenly considered a “man’s disease”. 40 percent of all deaths in women are due to cardiovascular diseases. Women become ill about ten years later than men. The increase in risk occurs specifically after menopause.
The current study also included 1,346 men (reference group) with an average age of 43 years. They were compared to 1,246 women. Of the women, 440 (35 percent) were in premenopause (median age 34 years), 298 (24 percent) were in the time around menopause (perimenopause; median age 42 years), and 508 (41 percent) were in menopause (median age 54 years).
Noise as a Heart Risk
Two scientific studies, also presented at the annual congress of the European Society of Cardiology, additionally show that constant noise exposure also poses a heart risk for people.
High blood pressure, high blood lipid levels, lack of exercise, and diabetes are particularly important risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases. However, environmental factors also play a role. This apparently includes the environmental factor of noise.
“Our DECIBEL-MI study shows that young patients aged 50 or younger who had suffered a heart attack were exposed to higher noise levels than the general population. The study demonstrates that urban noise can significantly increase the risk of premature heart attack in young people with low traditional risk factors,” explained study leader Hatim Kerniss from the Health North hospital group in Bremen, Germany, on the occasion of the upcoming ESC annual congress.