Premature menopause is known to be associated with cardiovascular disease among women; however, a new cohort study suggests that it may not be as important as the more traditional cardiovascular risk factors for ascertaining a patient′s 10-year risk of having a heart attack or stroke in this population.

Lead study author Sadiya S. Khan stated that premature menopause can be a marker or warning sign that cardiologists must pay attention to traditional atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk factors. In a cohort of 5,466 Black and 10,584 White women from seven U.S. population-based cohorts, including the Women′s Health Initiative, 951 and 1,039 women, respectively, reported early menopause. Black women were found to have around double the rate of premature menopause compared to White women (17.4% and 9.8%, respectively). Premature menopause had a significant association with ASCVD in both populations independent of traditional risk factors. There was a 24% greater risk for Black women and 28% greater risk among White women… (Medscape)