[Vascular health of the ageing woman]

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular science
• Endocrinology
• Women's health

Context:

• Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading cause of mortality globally.
• In women, CVDs often manifest later in life, with menopause significantly increasing risk.
• Declining estrogen post-menopause accelerates atherogenic processes like dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction, and arterial stiffening.

Purpose:

• To explore the protective vascular effects of estrogen in women.
• To investigate the role of estrogen decline in post-menopausal cardiovascular risk.
• To evaluate the potential of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) for improving vascular health.

Summary:

• Estrogen exerts protective structural and functional effects on the vasculature.
• Menopause-associated estrogen decline exacerbates atherogenic processes, elevating CVD risk.
• Menopausal hormone therapy, particularly when initiated timely, can mitigate these effects and enhance vascular health in aging women.

Impact:

• Highlights estrogen's critical role in maintaining vascular health in women.
• Underscores the importance of timely hormone therapy for cardiovascular risk reduction in post-menopausal women.
• Provides insights into therapeutic strategies for preventing CVD in aging females.