Female-specific risk factors for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in postmenopauseal women: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Dailet Mesa Ramírez, Adriana Lopez-Pineda, Jose Antonio Quesada et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the impact of female reproductive factors on cardiovascular outcomes in postmenopausal women without prior cardiovascular disease. The analysis of 34 studies found that a later age at menopause was associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events (per 5-year increase: PEE 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98), while other factors showed little to no association.
Key findings
- A later age at menopause is associated with a lower risk of cardiovascular events (PEE 0.94, 95% CI 0.90-0.98).
- The number of children showed little to no association with cardiovascular outcomes (PEE 0.99, 95% CI 0.96-1.01).
- Age at first childbirth had minimal impact on cardiovascular risk (PEE 0.99, 95% CI 0.97-1.00).
- A history of pregnancy loss showed no significant overall association with cardiovascular outcomes (PEE 1.22, 95% CI 0.93-1.61).
Why it matters
Understanding the relationship between reproductive factors and cardiovascular risk in postmenopausal women can help clinicians better assess and manage cardiovascular health in this population, particularly as they age.
What to keep in mind
The evidence quality ranged from low to very low, and substantial heterogeneity was observed across analyses.