Researchers in the United States have found that hormonal changes in women during the menopause can cause so-called ‘good cholesterol’ to become dangerous to their health. EurActiv France reports.
'Good cholesterol' usually protects the arteries by helping to transport 'bad cholesterol' to the liver to be processed. But recent research in the United States suggests that the risk of heart disease in women increases dramatically after the menopause, because even good cholesterol becomes harmful.
According to the ten-year study carried out on 1,054 American women by Karen Matthews, of the University of Pittsburgh, women's cholesterol levels tend spike after the menopause, placing them at greater risk of cardiovascular events.
Researchers in the United States have found that hormonal changes in women during the menopause can cause so-called ‘good cholesterol’ to become dangerous to their health. EurActiv France reports.
'Good cholesterol' usually protects the arteries by helping to transport 'bad cholesterol' to the liver to be processed. But recent research in the United States suggests that the risk of heart disease in women increases dramatically after the menopause, because even good cholesterol becomes harmful.
According to the ten-year study carried out on 1,054 American women by Karen Matthews, of the University of Pittsburgh, women's cholesterol levels tend spike after the menopause, placing them at greater risk of cardiovascular events.
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Samal El Khoudary, another University of Pittsburgh researcher, spent nine years studying 225 women between the ages of 40 and 50, none of whom had a history of cardiovascular problems before the menopause.
The transformation of 'good cholesterol'
There are two types of cholesterol: LDL, or 'bad cholesterol', and HDL, known as 'good cholesterol'. The researchers found that "HDL cholesterol can change during the transition period of the menopause. It no longer protects the cardiovascular system."
Patients with high levels of LDL cholesterol have a far higher risk of developing heart disease, and their condition should be closely monitored. Excessive LDL cholesterol is the main cause of atherosclerosis, a stiffening of the arteries that can lead to cardiovascular diseases. Cholesterol levels can be controlled with a strict diet and suitable medication.
High cholesterol diet image via Shutterstock.
Read more at EurActiv.
