Myths vs facts: Cardio Risk Check and Wechseljahre

The intersection of cardiovascular risk assessment and menopause is rife with myths and facts. Fact: After menopause, declining estrogen increases cardiovascular risk by altering lipid profiles, blood pressure, and vascular function. A DNA test like MyBody-X may analyze SNPs such as rs1800206, which GWAS have linked to lipid levels – but effect sizes are small (OR ~1.2) and not predictive of individual risk. Myth: A genetic test can reliably predict your heart attack risk during menopause. In reality, the evidence is weak: most SNPs have minor effects, and clinical risk scores (e.g., SCORE2, cholesterol, blood pressure) are far more informative. Moreover, DTC tests in Germany are regulated as lifestyle tests under GenDG and cannot replace medical diagnosis. For menopausal women, optimizing lifestyle (diet, exercise, smoking cessation) and monitoring clinical biomarkers is key. A genetic test may serve as a motivational nudge, not a medical risk forecast. Evidence grade: mixed/unclear.