Blog

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the biggest cause of death and disability in England resulting in one death every four minutes – and the biggest killer of women worldwide. In this blog, Noshina Kiani, workstream lead, covers the hidden link between menopause and CVD and the work we’ve been doing to help women navigate it.

It’s crucial to spotlight an often-overlooked intersection in women’s health: the link between menopause and cardiovascular disease (CVD). While strides have been made in gender equality and women’s health, understanding and addressing the unique health challenges women face, especially during menopause, remains a critical area for improvement. Through some public and community events, this has started to become a key area for us to focus on, underscoring our commitment to improving women’s heart health.

Menopause is a significant phase in a woman’s life, marked by the end of menstrual cycles and a decline in reproductive hormones. This transition, while natural, brings about changes that can increase a woman’s risk of developing cardiovascular diseases – the leading cause of death among women worldwide. Symptoms often attributed to menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats, can overshadow the subtle, gradual risks to heart health that this life stage poses.

Recognising the importance of addressing this issue, we have been working on targeted projects to raise awareness and provide support for women navigating the menopausal transition with a focus on heart health. In Doncaster South Yorkshire, we launched a pilot bootcamp for a group of 18 women, offering physical exercise training coupled with advice and guidance on managing menopause and understanding the risks of CVD. This 10-week program enhanced participants’ physical wellbeing but also empowered them with knowledge about their changing bodies and the implications for their heart health.

Our commitment to women’s heart health was also prominently featured at an event earlier this year in Sheffield attended by over 190 women. Here, we conducted point-of-care testing for cholesterol on 25 women and offered direct advice to around 90 individuals about CVD and its risks, as well as managing menopause symptoms. The highlight was a speech by our clinical CVD lead, who emphasised the importance of good heart health and its impact on families, reinforcing the message that women are key to managing the heart health of themselves and their families/future generations so it should be seen as a priority that deserves attention and action.

These initiatives represent more than just health projects; they are a part of a broader movement towards recognising and addressing the unique health challenges women face throughout their lives. By focusing on menopause and CVD link, we aim to shift the narrative towards a more inclusive understanding of women’s health, one that encompasses the full spectrum of female life stages and their associated health risks.

World Menopause Day takes place on 18 October, with this year’s theme focusing on Hormone Therapy. We are in discussion about planning an intergenerational event where women of all ages and stages of life can come together to share their experiences and stories both in West Yorkshire and South Yorkshire. Discussions will be around understanding Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), the signs and symptoms of menopause and its impact on cardiovascular health.

Our efforts across our region, and our outreach at women-centric events, are just the beginning. By prioritising women’s heart health, especially during critical transitions like menopause, we can make a substantial difference in the lives of women and their families. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the knowledge, support, and care she needs to thrive at every stage of her life, ensuring a healthier, brighter future for all.

You can find out more about our work on tackling cardiovascular disease in our 2024 Impact Report.

Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber has recently achieved the Menopause Friendly Accreditation, having this awarded means our organisation actively supports those experiencing menopause and ensures they are supported so they can continue to thrive at work.