These women filled out a detailed questionnaire about their disease and medication history, symptoms, hormonal status and risk factors such as family history of heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and smoking. Twenty of the women reported heart-related problems within five days of the beginning of their period when estrogen levels are at their lowest. The study will continue until at least 50 premenopausal women with heart attacks and known menstrual-cycle history have been recruited. This project is part of a larger study examining the role of both traditional and genetic risk factors, as well as estrogen, on unexpected heart attacks in women. The incidence of heart disease has actually increased in women.
Women do have heart attacks prior to menopause and get very sick.
Hamelin said more data is needed to confirm that there is a vulnerable time during the menstrual cycle which may constitute a trigger in women at risk for heart disease. In addition, all women should be counseled about the potential risks and benefits of estrogen replacement therapy consistent with the American Heart Association's guidelines for both primary and secondary prevention. This article was prepared by Women's Health Weekly editors from staff and other reports. This information is provided for educational purposes only. Please read the disclaimer .