Cardiovascular Risk in Postmenopausal Women: What is Known and what is Unknown

Abstract

The leading causes of death in postmenopausal women in the United States are coronary heart disease (CHD) and stroke, despite a steady decline during the past two decades [1, 2]. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) secondary to atherosclerosis occurs in much lower frequencies in many third world countries, as well as in several oriental populations [3]. The prevalence of CVD in premenopausal women is reflected by between a fifth and half as many deaths in CHD below the age of 50–55 years, as in men of the same age. After menopause, women develop CHD at the same rate as men, although approximately 6–10 years later [4]. The incidence of stroke is increased with age in both sexes, and most types of stroke are slightly more common in men than in women [5]. Despite the impact of CVD on postmenopausal womens’ health, very few population-based studies of CVD have included women, or focused exclusively on women. Furthermore, few clinical trials have involved female populations large enough to allow adequate evaluation of treatments for CVD in women [2].