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Published on: August 13, 2019
Dyslipidemia in menopause: mechanisms and management
Peter F Schnatz1, J David Schnatz
1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology & Internal Medicine, The University of Connecticut School of Medicine, Farmington, USA. pschnat@harthosp.org
Insights
Women face higher cardiovascular disease mortality than men, with risk increasing postmenopause. Early screening and management of dyslipidemia are crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Women's Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in women, with incidence escalating postmenopause.
- Physicians caring for menopausal women need to address modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease.
- Dyslipidemia is a significant, easily diagnosable risk factor.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide an overview of dyslipidemia in women.
- To outline screening recommendations and interpretation of lipid results.
- To guide management or referral for patients with dyslipidemia.
Main Methods:
- Review of National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP) Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) guidelines.
- Discussion of dyslipidemia screening protocols.
- Guidance on interpreting lipid profiles.
Main Results:
- Women have a higher annual mortality rate from CVD than men.
- CVD incidence significantly rises in postmenopausal women.
- Dyslipidemia screening and management are key preventive strategies.
Conclusions:
- Physicians should be equipped to screen, diagnose, and manage dyslipidemia in menopausal women.
- Adherence to NCEP ATP III guidelines is recommended for lipid management.
- Effective management of dyslipidemia can prevent adverse cardiovascular outcomes in women.
Unlabelled:
Data concerning cardiovascular disease in women is rapidly expanding. It is now known that women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease each year than men and that the incidence of cardiovascular disease in women increases dramatically in the postmenopausal years. Physicians who care for menopausal women should be able to counsel, diagnose, and treat or refer women who have modifiable risk factors for coronary artery disease. Dyslipidemia is one risk factor that can be diagnosed easily. Data from the National Cholesterol Education Program, Adult Treatment Panel III give clear guidelines for interpreting lipid abnormalities and following these women. This article provides an overview of dyslipidemia, screening recommendations, interpretation of results, and management or referral of these patients.
Target Audience:
Obstetricians & Gynecologists, Family Physicians.
Learning Objectives:
After completion of this article, the reader should be able to state that women are more likely to die from cardiovascular disease each year than men, recall that the incidence increases in the postmenopausal years, and explain that dyslipidemia screening and treatment is a method of prevention of adverse outcomes.
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