[Coronary insufficiency in the female: possible effect of menopause]

Abstract

A population of 239 women suffering from chronic coronary disease was divided into two groups according to whether or not they had sustained a myocardial infarction. For the 226 post-menopausal women, the type of menopause (natural or artificial) and their age at its onset were determined, together with the age of onset of the infarction or angina, and possible correlations with other risk factors in atherosclerosis. Whilst the average age at the time of artificial menopause was markedly less than that of natural menopause, the age of onset of coronary complications was comparable regardless of the type of menopause, this applying to both groups. Contrary to a classically accepted opinion, early menopause would not appear to favourise the premature development of atherosclerotic coronary problems, and, in addition, would not appear to affect other coronary "risk factors".