The Female Heart: Navigating Hormones, Menopause, Cholesterol and Weight Loss Drugs

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for women, yet many are unaware of the unique risks they face — especially during midlife and beyond. This educational event, brought to you by the Women's Heart Initiative, part of Main Line Health, brings together leading experts to discuss the evolving cardiovascular risks women experience across the menopause transition, the role of GLP-1 weight loss drugs in heart disease. Attendees will gain valuable insights into personalized prevention strategies, lifestyle modifications and emerging treatment options that support lifelong heart health, as well as have the opportunity to engage in a Q&A session with the experts. 

6–6:30 p.m. — Light refreshments and snacks
6:30–8 p.m. — Program

Perimenopause, Hormones, and Women's Heart Health
Speaker: Chrisandra L. Shufelt, MD
Women’s Health Specialist, Mayo Clinic

• Discuss how cardiovascular risk changes across the menopause transition.
• Explain the role of estrogen and hormonal shifts in heart health.
• Identify strategies for personalizing heart disease prevention in midlife women.

GLP-1 Weight Loss Medications and Cardiovascular Implications
Speaker: Sara Klein, CRNP
Comprehensive Weight and Wellness Center, Main Line Health

• Define obesity as a chronic disease and its impact on cardiovascular health.
• Examine the role of nutrition, lifestyle and medication management in obesity-related heart disease.
• Discuss the benefits of GLP-1 and GLP-1/GIP therapy in weight and cardiovascular risk management.

Lipids and Cholesterol After Menopause
Speaker: Erik Kelly, MD
Preventive Cardiologist, Main Line Health

• Explain why LDL cholesterol increases after menopause and its impact on heart disease risk.
• Define lipoprotein(a) and its role in cardiovascular health.
• Understand coronary calcium scoring and how it informs risk assessment.
• Review novel, non-statin cholesterol treatments and their clinical applications.