A landmark global effort to protect women’s heart health
Menopause is more than a lifecycle milestone—it can mark a turning point for cardiovascular health. A newly funded international trial, named SHE-HEALS, has secured $10 million to become the largest study of its kind. The project seeks to uncover how the menopausal transition influences the arteries and to test whether early prevention can stop the progression of heart disease in women.
Why menopause matters for heart health
During and after the transition to menopause, many women experience hormonal changes that can affect their cardiovascular system. The waning levels of oestrogen are linked with shifts in blood vessels, cholesterol profiles, blood pressure, and inflammatory processes. Experts say these changes may contribute to a higher lifetime risk of heart attack and stroke for some women, particularly as they enter middle age. The SHE-HEALS study aims to clarify these links by closely tracking vascular health across diverse populations and stages of menopause.
What the study hopes to achieve
The core aim is twofold: first, to detect silent artery changes—subtle indicators of evolving cardiovascular disease that often go unnoticed until a major event occurs; second, to test whether preventive strategies introduced early in the menopausal window can alter the disease trajectory. By focusing on “silent changes,” researchers hope to enable earlier interventions and better risk stratification for women who might otherwise be overlooked by traditional screening methods.
The team and global scope
The project is led by a collaboration between top academics and clinical centers around the world. At the helm are leading cardiology and menopause specialists who bring decades of experience in women’s health and vascular disease. The global nature of the study is intentional: cardiovascular risk factors and menopausal experiences vary across ethnicities, geographies, and healthcare systems. A diverse, international cohort will improve our understanding of how race, socioeconomic status, lifestyle, and access to care influence outcomes during the menopausal transition.
Innovative methods and anticipated impact
Researchers will employ state-of-the-art imaging and biomarker techniques to monitor arterial health in real time, looking for early signs of stiffening, plaque development, and endothelial dysfunction. Participants will be followed over several years, allowing scientists to map the sequence of events from menopause onset to potential cardiovascular changes. In addition to imaging, the study will collect data on lifestyle factors, hormone therapy use, exercise, diet, sleep, and stress — all of which can modulate heart health during menopause.
Why prevention now could change outcomes
The trial’s preventive strategies could include lifestyle interventions, optimized blood pressure management, lipid lowering approaches, and personalized risk communication. If the study demonstrates that early prevention reduces the incidence of heart disease or delays its onset, it could redefine standard care for midlife women. Clinicians may gain new tools for assessing risk in menopausal patients and for recommending targeted therapies or lifestyle programs that align with an individual’s hormonal status and cardiovascular profile.
What success would mean for women worldwide
Success for the SHE-HEALS study would be measured not only by reductions in cardiovascular events but also by improved early detection of arterial changes. A validated model that predicts which women are most at risk during menopause could lead to proactive care pathways, potentially lowering the global burden of heart disease associated with ageing in women. Moreover, the insights from this study may inform guidelines on hormone therapy, exercise prescriptions, and nutrition specifically tailored to menopausal health needs.
Next steps and public engagement
With funding secured and teams assembled, researchers will begin recruitment and standardized data collection. They emphasize the importance of public involvement—educating women about menopause-related heart health and engaging communities to address barriers to screening and prevention. As findings emerge, the project plans transparent dissemination to medical professionals, policymakers, and the public to accelerate changes in practice and policy.
