Heart disease and stroke
Narrowing and hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis) is a major risk for cardiovascular disease. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a strong risk factor for heart diseases and stroke.
The hormone oestrogen is believed to have a positive effect on the artery wall, helping to keep blood vessels flexible and allowing blood to flow through. A decline in oestrogen may be a factor in heart disease increase among post-menopausal women.
Heart disease is the number one killer of women in the UK. In fact, coronary heart disease kills more than twice as many women as breast cancer.
Make sure your cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure are at normal levels. Undertake lifestyle changes such as: not smoking, avoid second hand smoke, exercise and follow a healthy diet.
If you are concerned about heart disease or your risk, please see your healthcare professional.
The most common treatment for relieving the symptoms of menopause is HRT. Studies show that if you start HRT before you’re 60, it does not increase your risk of cardiovascular (CV) disease.
Use our Symptom checklist and speak to your healthcare professional who will discuss the benefits and risks of HRT treatment with you.
Recommended for you
Coffee catch up videos
Listen to women discuss how they recognised the symptoms of the menopause.
Menopause symptom check list
Use our symptom checklist to prepare for a discussion with your healthcare professional.
Podcasts
Listen to our podcasts where our experts share insights on menopause related topics.
Job Code: NON-2022-0120
Date of preparation: February 2022
Reporting of side effects:
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in the package leaflet. Please report side effects with any medicine or vaccine to the medicines regulator MHRA through the Yellow Card Scheme.
It is easiest and quickest to report side effects online via the Yellow Card website: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/ or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. Alternatively, prepaid Yellow Cards for reporting are available by writing to FREEPOST YELLOW CARD (no other address details necessary), by emailing yellowcard@mhra.gov.uk, by telephoning the Commission on Human Medicines (CHM) free phone line: 0800-731-6789, or by downloading and printing a form from the Yellow Card section of the MHRA website.
Join our community on Facebook: facebook.com/menopauseandmeuk
©Copyright 2022. Viatris
All rights reserved. This website is intended for use with UK members of the public.
Viatris UK Healthcare Limited (company registration number 09189103), an English company with a registered office address at 20 Station Close, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, EN6 1TL (VAT - 421 623 781)
Tel: +44 (0)1707 853000. For general enquiries please contact us on email: ukenquiry@viatris.com
Viatris is unable to provide advice on personal medical matters. Please consult your doctor or other relevant healthcare professional for specific, health-related advice and support.
