Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 13, 2026
06:18
An In Vivo Estrogen Deficiency Mouse Model for Screening Exogenous Estrogen Treatments of Cardiovascular Dysfunction After Menopause
Published on: August 13, 2019
13.0K
Hidden Cardiovascular Risk: Early Menopause Triggering Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) in Young Patients
Jehandad Khan1, Sarmad Raza2, Salman Nishtar1
1Cardiology, Kettering General Hospital, Kettering, GBR.
Cureus
|March 12, 2026
Summary
Early menopause is common in young women with acute coronary syndrome (ACS), increasing their risk for adverse cardiovascular events and longer hospital stays. This highlights early menopause as a significant, underrecognized risk factor in this demographic.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) typically affects older adults, but younger women, especially those experiencing early menopause (before age 45), face unique cardiovascular risks.
- Early menopause is associated with increased metabolic and cardiovascular risks, necessitating further investigation into its role in younger ACS patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of early menopause in women aged 35-45 presenting with ACS.
- To examine the association between early menopause and cardiovascular risk factors, in-hospital outcomes (arrhythmias, heart failure, hospital stay duration), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study of 142 women aged 35-45 with confirmed ACS (STEMI, NSTEMI, unstable angina) conducted from March to September 2022.
- Early menopause defined as amenorrhea ≥12 months before age 45, confirmed by serum FSH >40 mIU/mL.
- Exclusion criteria included diabetes, hypertension, smoking, hormone replacement therapy, chronic systemic disease, or malignancy. Statistical analyses included t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Early menopause was identified in 25.4% (36/142) of participants.
- Women with early menopause had higher body mass index (BMI) and significantly elevated FSH levels (67.8 ± 6.4 vs. 16.4 ± 4.3 mIU/mL; p < 0.01).
- Early menopausal women experienced longer hospital stays (mean difference: 0.8 days; p = 0.03) and increased odds of in-hospital arrhythmias and heart failure.
Conclusions:
- Early menopause is a prevalent finding in young women with ACS and is linked to adverse clinical characteristics and short-term outcomes.
- This study suggests early menopause may be an underrecognized risk enhancer for cardiovascular disease in younger women.
- Further prospective studies are needed to evaluate the long-term cardiovascular impact of early menopause.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
645
Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
645
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome I: Introduction
1.4K
Acute Coronary Syndrome (ACS) encompasses a spectrum of heart conditions caused by sudden obstruction of coronary arteries, typically resulting from the rupture of an atherosclerotic plaque and subsequent thrombus (blood clot) formation. This obstruction can lead to partial or complete blockage of blood flow, causing varying degrees of myocardial ischemia or infarction.ACS includes the following clinical entities:Unstable Angina (UA)Non-ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction (NSTEMI)ST-Elevation...
1.4K
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
1.4K
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): An Overview with Scientific InsightsCoronary Artery Disease (CAD), often referred to as C-A-D, is a prevalent blood vessel disorder classified under the broader category of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is a pathological process characterized by the hardening and narrowing of arteries due to the accumulation of atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, inflammatory cells, calcium, and fibrin, reducing blood flow to...
1.4K
01:19Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations
611
The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
611
01:30Acute Coronary Syndrome III: Diagnostic Studies
362
Diagnosing acute coronary syndrome or ACS begins with a thorough patient history. Notable symptoms include central, crushing chest pain radiating to the left arm, neck, jaw, or back, along with shortness of breath, sweating (diaphoresis), nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and palpitations.It is crucial to note any history of cardiac illnesses and assess risk factors, including age, gender, smoking, hypertension, diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and a sedentary lifestyle.During physical examination, vital...
362
01:30Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations
505
Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
505