Cardiovascular disease (CVD) includes heart, brain and blood vessel disease and is the biggest cause of death for women globally.
The risk of CVD in women increases as they transition into menopause.1,2
Menopause presents an opportunity to address CVD by:
- increasing awareness, identifying risk, screening and detection
- addressing modifiable risk factors
- recognising ongoing and potential health concerns
- encouraging a proactive approach to cardiovascular wellbeing
- preventing primary or secondary CVD.1
Clinician resources
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Information for healthcare professionals and the public on cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs affecting women.
Source: Heart Foundation
Australian guideline and calculator for assessing and managing cardiovascular disease risk
CVD risk guideline, including a calculator to provide a quick and easy to use assessment, communication and management tool for health professionals.
Source: Aus CVD Risk
Heart Online
National toolkit with information on clinical indicators, treatment and management and behaviour change and patient education resources.
Source: Queensland Health Cardiac Clinical Network and the National Heart Foundation of Australia
Consumer resources
Cardiovascular disease risk factors and heart attack warning signs in women
Information for healthcare professionals and the public on cardiovascular disease risk factors and warning signs affecting women.
Source: Heart Foundation
References
- Stuenkel CA. Reproductive milestones across the lifespan and cardiovascular disease risk in women. Climacteric. 2024;27(1):5-15. DOI: 10.1080/13697137.2023.2259793
- Khoudary SR, Aggarwal B, Beckie TM, et al. Menopause transition and cardiovascular disease risk: Implications for timing of early prevention: A scientific statement from the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2020;142(25):e506-e532. DOI: 10.1161/CIR.0000000000000912