As October marks Menopause Awareness Month, the American Heart Association and The Menopause Society are drawing attention to a critical but often overlooked aspect of women’s health: the link between menopause and cardiovascular disease. With an estimated 6,000 women in the U.S. enter menopause every day, according to the National Institutes of Health, understanding this transition is more important than ever.
Cardiovascular disease, which includes heart disease and stroke, is the leading cause of death in women, yet only 4 in 10 women recognize it as their greatest health threat. The years leading up to and after menopause are a particularly vulnerable time. While menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, changes such as higher cholesterol levels, increased body fat around organs, and stiffening blood vessels can significantly affect heart health.
“Menopause represents an important opportunity for cardiovascular disease prevention,” said Chrisandra L. Shufelt, MD, MS, FACP, MSCP, current board member and past president of The Menopause Society. “By the time women reach menopause, approximately 90% have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and we know that significant cardiometabolic changes occur during the menopause transition. This is an important window to identify risk factors early, address them proactively and help women protect their cardiovascular health for decades to come.”
Many women spend about 40% of their lives in postmenopause, making midlife a critical time to know heart health numbers and talk with a healthcare team. Perimenopause, the transition leading up to menopause, often brings the most noticeable symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, fatigue, weight gain, and palpitations. These symptoms can be distressing, but they also signal an opportunity to focus on long-term health.
Another often-overlooked factor is kidney health. According to a 2026 American Heart Association scientific statement, menopause and aging can accelerate chronic kidney disease, which is a major contributor to heart disease and stroke risk. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that after menopause, an estimated 1 in 4 women may develop atrial fibrillation, an irregular heart rhythm, during their lifetime. Stressful life events and insomnia were noted as major contributing factors.
Experts from both organizations encourage women to take proactive steps: know their heart health numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, and kidney health), stay physically active, eat healthy foods, prioritize sleep, manage stress, and discuss personal risk factors with their healthcare team. “There is no one-size-fits-all menopause experience,” said Jen Ashton, M.D., M.S., an American Heart Association volunteer and board member. “Every woman deserves access to information, support and resources that help her make informed decisions and feel her best.”
Women can find evidence-based information and resources from The Menopause Society at menopause.org, including a directory of certified practitioners, and from the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women menopause resource center. Additional multimedia materials are available on the release link.
