Premature Menopause Linked to 40% Higher Lifetime Heart Disease Risk
A Northwestern-led study of more than 10,000 postmenopausal women finds natural menopause before age 40 is tied to a 40% higher lifetime risk of coronary heart disease, with Black women experiencing premature menopause at higher rates. The findings suggest the menopausal transition is a critical window for early cardiovascular prevention, including monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, prioritizing strength training, managing stress, and ensuring menopause history informs heart-disease risk assessments to protect long-term health.