Heart disease links with menopause overlooked
To mark World Menopause Day, the National Heart Foundation of Australia is urging all women over 45 to have a heart health check
Sixty percent of Australian women are unaware that their risk of heart disease increases significantly after they reach menopause, according to research by the National Heart Foundation of Australia.
To mark World Menopause Day, the heart health charity is urging all women over 45 to visit their GP for a heart health check.
“Heart disease isn’t just a problem for men – it’s the number one killer of Australian women and kills almost four times as many women as breast cancer,” said Dr Lyn Roberts, National CEO of the Heart Foundation.
“The risk of developing heart disease increases significantly for women after they reach menopause, but our research tells us that 60% of women are unaware of this link.
“The reality is that 90% of women have one risk factor for heart disease and 50% have two or three, which is why it’s vital that all women over 45 have a heart health check.
“High blood pressure and high cholesterol levels are often called the ‘silent killers’ as there are no obvious symptoms, so being tested is an important first step.
“The good news is that heart disease is largely preventable, which is why we’re urging women to take charge of their heart health and make an appointment with their GP today,” Dr Roberts said.
The Heart Foundation surveyed 3,128 women aged 30-65 between January and June this year.
The Heart Foundation Go Red for Women campaign raises awareness of heart disease as the number one killer of Australian women. For more information about women and heart disease, visit www.goredforwomen.org.au