Australian researchers will spearhead a significant international study aimed at understanding the connections between menopause and heart disease, which remains the leading cause of death among women globally. The initiative, backed by a funding commitment of $15 million, will be co-led by Professor Martha Hickey from Melbourne University and aims to prevent millions of women from facing cardiovascular disease during menopause.
This groundbreaking project seeks to reshape global guidelines on heart disease prevention and management in this growing demographic. Professor Hickey, a prominent figure in women’s health, highlighted the alarming increase in heart disease risk that many women face immediately after menopause. “We know that menopause appears 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.
Understanding Risks and Opportunities
The study, named the SHE-HEALS project, will collaborate with Professor Ziad Mallat from the British Heart Foundation and the University of Cambridge. Researchers will employ advanced techniques to investigate arterial changes that commence during peri-menopause, which contribute to an increased risk of heart disease as women age.
This clinical trial is set to be the largest of its kind, focusing on identifying the silent changes that lead to the hardening of arteries. It will also explore whether early interventions, such as lowering cholesterol or blood pressure immediately following menopause, can halt or even reverse the progression of heart disease.
The research will further examine how the age at which menopause occurs influences heart disease risk. This includes a specific focus on women who experience early menopause due to surgical procedures. Additionally, the impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular health outcomes will be analyzed.
Professor Mallat expressed optimism about the collaboration, saying, “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.”
Global Collaboration for Women’s Health
The project received funding through a subgroup of the Global Cardiovascular Research Funders Forum, a network comprising major international cardiovascular research funding entities. The Heart Foundation serves as Australia’s representative within this forum. The nearly USD 10 million grant marks the alliance’s first substantial joint investment, aimed at addressing critical unmet needs in women’s cardiovascular health.
David Lloyd, CEO of the Heart Foundation, emphasized the importance of this research, stating, “We are extremely proud to be supporting this study, and it showcases the degree of expertise Australia has when it comes to research excellence.” He noted that the collaboration among the 10 bodies contributing funding illustrates a commitment to achieving results that no single nation could accomplish independently.
With a research team spanning 13 institutions across seven countries, the SHE-HEALS study stands poised to make significant strides in understanding and managing the health of women as they navigate the complexities of menopause and heart disease.
