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Australian researchers are set to spearhead a significant international study, backed by a funding commitment of $15 million, to explore the connections between menopause and heart disease, the leading cause of death among women worldwide. This initiative aims to enhance understanding of how menopause influences cardiovascular health, potentially transforming prevention and management strategies for millions of women.
The project, known as the SHE-HEALS study, will be co-led by Professor Martha Hickey from the University of Melbourne and Professor Ziad Mallat from the British Heart Foundation and University of Cambridge. The research seeks to uncover critical changes in women’s cardiovascular health during the peri-menopausal stage, a period marked by notably increased risk for heart disease.
Many women experience a heightened risk of heart disease following menopause, prompting experts to investigate preventive measures. According to Professor Hickey, current clinical guidelines often overlook this crucial phase, which could lead to missed opportunities for early intervention. “We know that menopause seems to be a critical time for women’s heart health, and this major global study will help us support women and clinicians to reduce this risk,” she stated.
The study will employ advanced medical techniques to identify silent changes in arterial health that contribute to the hardening of arteries as women age. It will also assess whether early preventive actions, such as lowering cholesterol or blood pressure immediately after menopause, can halt or even reverse the progression of heart disease. Additionally, the research will explore the impact of menopause age on heart health, particularly among women who have undergone early menopause due to surgical procedures, and evaluate the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular outcomes.
Professor Mallat emphasized the collaborative nature of this research, stating, “By bringing together this global team of experts, we believe we can make meaningful progress to advance the prevention, treatment, and care of heart disease for women around the world.”
This ambitious study is funded through a subgroup of the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum, which includes major international organizations focused on cardiovascular health. The Heart Foundation of Australia plays a pivotal role as a member of this forum, contributing to the nearly USD 10 million grant dedicated to women’s cardiovascular health.
David Lloyd, CEO of the Heart Foundation, remarked on the significance of the project, highlighting the expertise Australia brings to the global research landscape. “We are extremely proud to be supporting this study, and it just goes to show the degree of expertise Australia has when it comes to research excellence,” he said.
The SHE-HEALS study will involve a diverse team from 13 institutions across 7 countries, showcasing a unified commitment to addressing urgent needs within women’s cardiovascular health. As the research unfolds, it holds the potential not only to change clinical practices but also to improve the lives of countless women facing heart health challenges globally.
