Women, Cholesterol & Diet

What to Eat for a Stronger Heart.

- Saleena Vaidya

For women, heart health is intricately linked to cholesterol levels, which in turn are shaped significantly by diet. While both men and women are vulnerable to cardiovascular disease, women often face unique hormonal and metabolic shifts—particularly around menopause—that affect how cholesterol behaves in the body.

Estrogen has a protective effect on lipid profiles, helping to keep “bad” LDL cholesterol levels lower and “good” HDL cholesterol levels higher. However, after menopause, this protection diminishes, leading to increased cardiovascular risk. This makes dietary management a cornerstone of heart health for women across all ages.

A Brigham and Women’s Hospital (Harvard Medical School) study concluded that combining LDL, Lp(a), and high-sensitivity CRP testing yields more accurate long-term cardiac risk assessments in women than standard lipid panels.