Guwahati, April 28 -- Matthew Nudy, Penn State

Menopause can have profound effects on heart health, yet many people are unaware of this important connection.

The hormonal shifts occurring during menopause mark the end of a woman's reproductive years and contribute to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, the most common cause of death among women globally. As estrogen levels drop, changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, inflammation and fat distribution can lead to plaque buildup in blood vessels, which is a major cause of heart disease.

Hormone therapy has long been prescribed to relieve bothersome menopausal symptoms, but research published in 2002 and 2004 raised concerns about its safety, especially regarding cardiovascular ...