EDC Epidemiologist Dr. Samar El Khoudary Featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette for Research on Cardiovascular Risks During Menopause
Dr. Samar El Khoudary’s research, featured in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reveals key insights into how menopause impacts cardiovascular health. Her findings challenge the belief that high HDL cholesterol is always protective for women post-menopause. As women progress through this stage, HDL’s cardio-protective qualities may diminish. Additionally, her work shows that fat accumulation in the abdomen increases within two years of the final menstrual period, raising the risk of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. El Khoudary emphasizes that menopause affects where fat is stored rather than just overall weight gain, underscoring the need for informed discussions with healthcare providers. These findings empower women to better manage their health during midlife, focusing on specific risks linked to menopause.