The risk of a woman developing hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis), particularly of the arteries which supply blood to the heart (coronary arteries) increases with age. 

It is uncertain whether oestrogen deficiency after menopause accelerates atherosclerosis over and above that due to aging.  

A number of modifiable factors influence a woman's risk of developing atherosclerosis and these include:

• smoking,
• obesity,
• high blood pressure (hypertension),
• diabetes mellitus,
• high cholesterol and triglycerides, and
• a sedentary lifestyle. 

Family history is also an important determinant of the risk of atherosclerosis. 

See Heart Foundation http://www.heartfoundation.org.au for further information about reducing your risk of coronary artery disease.

Content Updates 18 September, 2008