Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk: Why Monitoring Matters

The Hidden Link Between Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk 

Cardiovascular risk doubles during menopausal transition 

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among women worldwide–and menopause plays a major role in this risk¹.  

Every year, 25 million women experience menopause, and by 2030, an estimated 1.2 billion women worldwide will be in post-menopause²​. However, it is not widely known that many women do not receive appropriate care during this critical health transition. 

Defining menopause and its duration  

Menopause refers to the permanent cessation of menstruation and is clinically defined as the absence of menstruation for 12 consecutive months. Menopausal transition typically begins between the ages of 45 and 55 and can last 7–14 years. This extended transition period involves significant hormonal fluctuations, particularly characterized by declining estrogen levels^3,4. The reduction in estradiol is estimated to be approximately 60%, and this substantial decrease is closely associated with an increased cardiovascular risk^5,6. 

How hormonal shifts affect the cardiovascular system

Estrogen stabilizes the autonomic nervous system, supports bone health, and even plays a role in protecting cardiovascular health. It helps maintain the flexibility of arterial walls, promotes healthy blood flow, and contributes to increasing good cholesterol (HDL)⁷. Therefore, a significant decline in estrogen secretion can easily lead to reduced vascular elasticity and lipid metabolism abnormalities, contributing to atherosclerosis and hypertension. Consequently, this increases the risk of developing serious diseases such as strokes and heart failure. The risk of ischemic stroke in women doubles between the ages of 55 and 65, a period that coincides precisely with menopausal transition^5,6. 

Gaps in Awareness and Self-Care

Cardiovascular risk in menopausal women remains underestimated 

A survey conducted by OMRON Healthcare in Japan among 1,000 women aged 20–60 revealed that even when experiencing symptoms like palpitations or shortness of breath, most women did not seek medical care. Additionally, research indicates that 85-90% of women who suffered an acute myocardial infarction recognized early symptoms prior to onset⁸​. Many view these symptoms as a natural part of aging, and awareness that blood pressure tends to rise during and after menopause is limited. While some sought medical attention, in many cases the symptoms were overlooked or misdiagnosed. It is not uncommon for healthcare providers to dismiss or downplay these complaints, highlighting a significant lack of appropriate and gender-sensitive care. 

Risks unique to women and the need for countermeasures

Historically, cardiovascular research has focused on men, leading to an underestimation of women’s risks. This may partly explain why women have a higher rate of sudden cardiac death compared with men. Statistics show that about 40% of women develop hypertension during or after menopause. While men under 60 are more likely to have uncontrolled hypertension, women over 60 are less likely than men of the same age to keep their blood pressure under control⁹.

Thus, menopausal women exhibit specific risk factors and symptoms associated with declining estrogen levels, presenting a distinct risk profile from men¹⁰. Consequently, it is imperative to reform the mindset of female healthcare providers, enhance their understanding of female-specific symptom patterns, and have women improve their own health literacy. Menopause must be recognized not merely as a natural aging process, but as a critical health transition period where cardiovascular disease risk increases dramatically.

Monitoring at Home

Tracking blood pressure and heart rhythm from home 

With the use of blood pressure monitors equipped with ECG functions or portable ECG devices, women can detect early signs of cardiovascular risk. OMRON Healthcare’s Intellisense AFib technology enables the detection of atrial fibrillation during home blood pressure measurements, helping prevent cardiovascular risks. 

Simple monitoring through apps and seamless physician support 

The OMRON Connect app allows users to track not only blood pressure but also physical conditions and sleep patterns in one place. This makes it easier to identify health trends, share data with healthcare providers, and act on risks early. 

Daily self-monitoring can uncover high blood pressure–often symptomless–leading to earlier diagnosis and better management. By making home monitoring a routine habit, women can significantly reduce their risk and detect problems before they escalate. 

OMRON Healthcare’s Commitment to Education and Awareness

Educating healthcare professionals 

Healthcare providers gain access to the latest knowledge on cardiovascular risks of menopausal women through the OMRON Academy e-learning platform, enabling earlier detection in clinical practice.

Informing the public 

OMRON Healthcare uses its website and social media channels to explain the connection between menopause, blood pressure, and heart health in clear, accessible ways. 

Collaborating with academia 

To address the lack of women-specific data, OMRON Healthcare collaborates with research institutions worldwide to generate evidence-based awareness campaigns. 

These efforts aim to spread the understanding that menopause is a turning point for cardiovascular risk and to raise women’s health awareness through media coverage and outreach.

Building a Society Where Women Can Navigate Menopause with Confidence

Promoting awareness and support across society 

Menopause is a critical stage of life, marked by physical and emotional changes and a sharp rise in blood pressure and cardiovascular risks. Yet limited awareness and low rates of medical consultation leave many women without proper prevention or care. 

OMRON Healthcare’s global vision, Going for Zero: zero heart attacks and zero strokes, drives its comprehensive approach, from home monitoring devices to professional education and collaborative research. By viewing menopause as an opportunity to reassess cardiovascular health, we aim to build a society where women can embrace the stage of life during and after menopausal transition with confidence and peace of mind.