Health studies link hormone therapy and sleep patterns to heart disease risk

New research highlights the relationship between hormone therapy, sleep patterns, and cardiovascular health. A study published in JAMA Internal Medicine, analyzing 20 years of data from over 2,700 women in the SWAN project, suggests that starting hormone therapy during perimenopause or early menopause may lower the risk of cardiovascular disease. Women who began treatment during these stages showed a 22 percent lower risk, which increased to a 27 percent reduction for those starting within 10 years of menopause onset. Researchers note this is an observational study and results should be interpreted with caution.

Separately, a global study published in the European Heart Journal examined sleep duration across 21 countries. The research found that sleeping more than the recommended six to eight hours per night is associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular issues, such as heart attack or heart failure, and mortality by up to 41 percent. The study also identified an increased risk for individuals who sleep during the day. Researchers suggest that excessive sleep might be a symptom of underlying health issues rather than a direct cause, noting that the exact causal link remains under investigation.