Researchers at Leiden University report that postmenopausal women with clogged arteries face a higher risk of heart attack than men of the same age. This finding suggests that there could be a need for more proactive treatment strategies in this demographic, as highlighted in a study published in the European Heart Journal.
The study tracked about 25,000 participants from six countries across North America, Europe, and Asia. Researchers used coronary computed tomography to examine the presence of plaques in heart arteries, their composition, exact location, and the degree of arterial constriction. Participants were observed for an average period of 3.7 years to assess outcomes related to heart disease progression and events.
In examining the onset of severe atherosclerosis, researchers found that while the condition tends to begin roughly 12 years later in women than men, the risk of heart attack becomes disproportionately higher for postmenopausal women. When looking specifically at women aged 55 and older, the risk of a heart attack was greater than that observed in men of the same age group with similar levels of atherosclerosis.
Statistical analyses showed that among postmenopausal women with high atherosclerosis, the likelihood of experiencing a heart attack was sixfold higher compared to women with lower levels of atherosclerotic disease. In contrast, men with high atherosclerosis faced about twice the risk of a heart attack relative to men with lower disease burden. These results indicate that identical atherosclerotic lesions may pose a greater danger to women after menopause than to men.
Experts note that the findings could influence treatment decisions. The researchers suggest that postmenopausal women might benefit from higher doses of statins or the addition of another lipid-lowering medication. They emphasize that further studies are needed to validate these observations and to determine the best lipid-management approach for this population, as reported in the European Heart Journal.