Ten international health research funders, including the Dutch Heart Foundation, are investing $10 million in a new global research network to improve early prevention of cardiovascular disease in women. The initiative focuses on understanding how menopause affects heart health and how early intervention can reduce risk.

Led by researchers from the University of Cambridge and the University of Melbourne, the SHE-HEALS study brings together 13 institutions across seven countries, including Maastricht University. The team will use advanced techniques to detect early arterial changes during perimenopause and examine the roles of age at menopause and hormone therapy in cardiovascular risk. From CARIM, Dr Pieter Goossens (Dept of Pathology) is participating.

A large-scale clinical study will screen for silent atherosclerosis in women before symptoms appear and test whether early prevention, such as managing blood pressure and cholesterol, can slow or reverse disease progression.

The researchers aim for the results to inform global guidelines and enable earlier, more effective protection of heart health for millions of women worldwide.

Click here for more information: News SHE-HEALS — Global Cardiovascular Research Funding Forum