Postmenopausal women face increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks, necessitating effective predictive tools to assess their health. Researchers at the Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University have developed and validated a nomogram model to identify carotid atherosclerosis risks among this demographic. The study analyzed data from 4,446 menopausal women and selected several key variables including age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), and non-high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (non-HDL-C) to create a predictive model.
The nomogram was validated across training and internal and external validation sets, showing strong predictive abilities with concordance index (C-index) values of 0.706, 0.664, and 0.668, respectively. By establishing distinct risk factors for carotid artery health, the model offers new insights and strategic interventions for healthcare providers.
The research highlighted the importance of personalized medicine, allowing clinicians to tailor preventive measures and mitigate CVD risks effectively. With deteriorated estrogen levels post-menopause known to heighten risk factors, this tool's predictive capacity could significantly guide health practices for aging women.
The study sheds light on the urgent need for targeted cardiovascular screenings, especially since carotid atherosclerosis serves as a precursory condition to stroke and heart attacks. This research not only makes strides toward enhancing CVD risk assessments but also addresses the healthcare community's demands for science-based tools for managing women's cardiovascular health.
The authors emphasized, "This model provides a scientific basis for early risk assessment and personalized interventions for menopausal women, guiding future research on related biological mechanisms." The authors also stated,” The Nomogram model showed significant net clinical benefit over threshold probability ranges, which demonstrates its potential for screening high-risk individuals, optimizing healthcare resource allocation, and guiding personalized interventions.”
By integrating many factors affecting carotid health and utilizing rigorous statistical methodologies, the nomogram offers clinicians both clarity and reliability. These findings suggest urgent application within medical practices aiming to reduce cardiovascular events among postmenopausal populations, enhancing quality of care and long-term outcomes.
Continued improvements and future studies will refine this nomogram, potentially leading to even more precise patient assessments and interventions, tackling one of the most pressing health concerns for women as they age.