Scientists from the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in the United States found that heart health in women after the onset of menopause can rapidly deteriorate due to a decrease in the level of the hormone estrogen and an increase in the amount of testosterone in the body. Research results presented On the American College of Cardiology (ACC) website.
Menopause is the permanent cessation of menstruation due to an age-related decrease in hormonal function and the “turning off” of the reproductive function of the ovaries. According to researchers, after the onset of menopause, the level of the sex hormone estrogen in women’s bodies decreases and testosterone increases. These changes increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease.
To find out what protective properties estrogen has, researchers analyzed data from 579 postmenopausal women. They found that reducing the concentration of this hormone in the body in favor of testosterone changes the way blood clots and increases the calcium content in the coronary arteries. This indicator is considered an important indicator of the development of cardiovascular diseases, as it reflects the likelihood of the appearance of dangerous plaques in the heart arteries.
Atherosclerosis of the coronary vessels causes thickening of the artery walls and loss of elasticity of their walls. As a result, blood flow to internal organs is impaired. Rupture of atherosclerotic plaque is dangerous in terms of the development of conditions such as myocardial infarction or stroke.
Scientists added that the risk of developing such pathological changes may increase sharply in women who have not previously experienced any problems with the heart and blood vessels. For this reason, it is necessary to undergo regular medical examinations after menopause.
It was before discovered New gene that causes heart failure in men.