What this means
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), remains the leading cause of death among women globally and persistent cardiovascular disparities exist for women compared to men. The menopausal transition represents a critical cardiometabolic inflection point during which women experience accelerated adverse changes in lipid profiles, body composition, vascular function, and metabolic parameters independent of aging alone.
A plain-English summary is on its way. Until then, this is the start of the authors' own summary.
- Who it was tested in
- People
- Kind of research
- A summary of earlier studies
The science
- Original title
- Cardiovascular Health in Women: Navigating Menopause and Beyond.
- Authors
- Obaed N, Mihaj I, Nudy M
- Journal
- Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America
- Published
- Oct 22, 2026
- Study type
- Review · in humans
- PMID
- 42907050 ↗
Abstract
Cardiovascular disease (CVD), specifically atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD), remains the leading cause of death among women globally and persistent cardiovascular disparities exist for women compared to men. The menopausal transition represents a critical cardiometabolic inflection point during which women experience accelerated adverse changes in lipid profiles, body composition, vascular function, and metabolic parameters independent of aging alone. Traditional ASCVD risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, smoking, and obesity may exert disproportionately greater cardiovascular effects among women compared with men. In conclusion, a lifespan approach that recognizes menopause as a critical inflection point for ASCVD prevention is essential.
Obaed N, Mihaj I, Nudy M Cardiovascular Health in Women: Navigating Menopause and Beyond. Endocrinology and metabolism clinics of North America. 2026. doi:10.1016/j.ecl.2026.08.001. PMID: 42907050. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42907050/