Key Takeaways:

  • Menopause affects more than half the population, yet it’s often overlooked in the workplace, despite its significant health impact, including an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
  • Sociocultural and clinical barriers prevent many women from receiving the treatment they need during menopause, exacerbating health disparities.
  • Employers have an opportunity to empower their female workforce by acknowledging menopause and supporting access to preventive heart care.
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“Menopause isn’t a dirty word in corporate America. It’s a word that doesn’t exist at all.”  Jayne Morgan, MD, a cardiologist and VP of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart made this statement during a panel at the 2024 Women’s Heart Health Summit to resounding applause.

Menopause is a medical condition that affects more than half the population and should be acknowledged and treated. Instead, it’s often ignored–especially at work. What’s worse is that when women experience the decrease in estrogen that comes with menopause, their risk of cardiovascular disease significantly increases. 

This is a time of life when women need to focus on preventive heart care. But how can women advocate for themselves when they are expected to suffer in silence?

In the full video below, Dr. Morgan and the other panelists discuss:

  • The sociocultural factors that create disparities around menopause
  • Clinical barriers that women often face when seeking treatment
  • How employers can empower their female workforce to get the care they need

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Moderator

  • Jenn Roberts, MS, VP, Health Strategy, Hello Heart

Speakers

  • Jayne Morgan, MD, Cardiologist & VP, Medical Affairs at Hello Heart
  • Joanna Strober, CEO, Midi Health
  • Mary Fuller, Benefits Director, Lynden
Hello Heart is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment. You should always consult with your doctor about your individual care.

1. Gazit T, Gutman M, Beatty AL. Assessment of Hypertension Control Among Adults Participating in a Mobile Technology Blood Pressure Self-management Program. JAMA Netw Open. 2021;4(10):e2127008, https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.27008. Accessed October 19, 2022. (Some study authors are employed by Hello Heart. Because of the observational nature of the study, causal conclusions cannot be made. See additional important study limitations in the publication. This study showed that 108 participants with baseline blood pressure over 140/90 who had been enrolled in the program for 3 years and had application activity during weeks 148-163 were able to reduce their blood pressure by 21 mmHg using the Hello Heart program.) (2) Livongo Health, Inc. Form S-1 Registration Statement. https:/www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1639225/000119312519185159/d731249ds1.htm. Published June 28, 2019. Accessed October 19, 2022. (In a pilot study that lasted six weeks, individuals starting with a blood pressure of greater than 140/90 mmHg, on average, had a 10 mmHG reduction.) NOTE: This comparison is not based on a head-to-head study, and the difference in results may be due in part to different study protocols.
2. Validation Institute. 2021 Validation Report (Valid Through October 2022). https://validationinstitute.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Hello_Heart-Savings-2021- Final.pdf. Published October 2021. Accessed October 19, 2022. (This analysis was commissioned by Hello Heart, which provided a summary report of self-fundedemployer client medical claims data for 203 Hello Heart users and 200 non-users from 2017-2020. Findings have not been subjected to peer review.)