Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a critical health risk for women going through menopause. Corporate wellbeing programmes must address this issue to support their workforce effectively.
We must focus on heart health during menopause because the protective benefits to the cardiovascular system of oestrogen diminish as hormone levels drop. This natural decline, combined with hidden genetic factors, significantly accelerates a woman’s risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Here is the science behind the silent risk and why your organisation needs to pay attention.
The Impact of Oestrogen Decline –
Oestrogen plays a vital role in keeping women’s blood vessels healthy and managing cholesterol levels. The British Heart Foundation and HEART UK highlight that when oestrogen production in the ovaries significantly reduces during menopause, several physical changes occur:-
- LDL (bad) cholesterol often rises, while the balance of good (HDL) to bad cholesterol becomes less healthy.
- Fat distribution shifts from the hips to the abdomen, increasing visceral fat around vital organs.
- Blood vessels become less flexible, which can raise blood pressure.
These changes mean a woman’s risk of coronary heart disease increases substantially after menopause. Yet, a HEART UK survey from October 2024 revealed that neither CVD or cholesterol was mentioned to 53% of women during their menopause consultation with their healthcare professional.
The Hidden Genetic Risks: HeFH and Lp(a)
The risk of heart disease is severely compounded when women have underlying, undiagnosed genetic lipid conditions. Two specific conditions demand immediate awareness:
Familial Hypercholesterolaemia: This genetic condition causes dangerously high cholesterol levels from birth and makes it harder for the body to remove LDL cholesterol. It is very common, affecting an estimated 1 in 300 people globally. Alarmingly, only 10% of those living with FH have been identified.
Elevated Lipoprotein(a) or Lp(a): Lp(a) is a sticky type of cholesterol that builds up in artery walls and interferes with clotting mechanisms. The FH Europe Foundation notes that 1 in 5 people worldwide have elevated Lp(a), making it an independent, causal risk factor for CVD. However, only 1-2% of the population have had an Lp(a) measurement.
When the natural loss of oestrogen collides with undiagnosed FH or elevated Lp(a), the risk to a woman’s cardiovascular health increases.
Why Corporate Awareness Matters
Businesses must integrate cardiovascular health into their menopause support strategies. With the 2027 UK menopause legislative requirements approaching, companies need to move beyond basic symptom management.
Providing education on CVD risks, encouraging preventative health screenings for cholesterol and Lp(a), and offering clear pathways for lifestyle and medical support can save lives. A proactive corporate wellness programme empowers female employees to take charge of their heart health during the menopause transition.
If you are planning your menopause policy, Pillar Point Menopause Coaching can help you build an intelligent, evidence-based framework for your organisation.