After menopause, estrogen falls and many women lose bone. An estimated 1 in 3 women over 50 will have a fracture from bone loss in their lifetime. A new study asked if heart disease risk is linked to these fractures.
The research, in The Lancet Regional Health – Americas, used the American Heart Association’s PREVENT score, developed in 2024, to estimate 10-year cardiovascular risk. More than 21,000 women from the Women’s Health Initiative were put into four groups: low, borderline, intermediate and high risk.
The study found the strongest link with hip fractures. Women in the high-risk group had a 93% higher hip fracture risk and the intermediate group had a 33% higher risk. The link was stronger for women under 65, and median time to hip fracture was shorter in the high-risk group.
Difficult words
- menopause — time when menstrual periods stop
- estrogen — a female hormone made by the ovaries
- fracture — a break in a bone from injury or weaknessfractures, hip fracture, hip fractures
- cardiovascular — related to the heart and blood vessels
- median — the middle value in a group of numbers
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Do you think women should check heart disease risk after menopause? Why or why not?
- Have you or someone you know had a bone fracture after age 50? What happened?
- What health checks would you suggest for women over 50 to protect their bones?
Related articles
Vitamin D may slow diabetes for some people
A new analysis of a large US trial suggests vitamin D supplements might delay progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes for people with certain vitamin D receptor gene variations. Researchers warn against taking high doses without medical advice.
Parents' Attitudes Linked to Binge Drinking and Greek Life
A study finds that parents who are more permissive about alcohol are linked to students joining fraternities or sororities and higher binge drinking during the first college year. Authors suggest parenting programs to reduce risk.
