Evaluating a Preventive Heart Health Programme for Perimenopausal Women - Empowering Sustainable Healthy Habits Through Behaviour Change Strategy.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among women. Heart-related conditions are responsible for the death of one out of every three women. In Singapore, CVD in women causes more morbidity and mortality than breast and cervical cancer. The burden will be exacerbated by Singapore's aging population and the longer life expectancy of women compared to men. Primary and secondary prevention strategies are implemented to reduce the overall impact of CVD on public health. Women who have traditional risk factors are at a greater risk of experiencing heart attacks compared to men with comparable risk factors. Additional risks specific to women include a history of pregnancy complications, breast cancer, and premature menopause. CVDs in women are frequently overlooked in terms of diagnosis and treatment.

Menopause is a phase in a woman's life that brings about significant changes to both her reproductive organs and her physical and psychological well-being. Management issues encompass a spectrum of concerns, including immediate symptoms like insomnia and palpitations, intermediate concerns related to bone health, and long-term considerations associated with the development of cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association (AHA) provides guidelines for multidisciplinary care aimed at preventing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women. Countries like Canada have established specialized organizations to address this issue. Collaborative clinics involving cardiologists, gynecologists, and women's heart centers are crucial, even for women who are generally healthy.

The objective of this study is to examine the factors that limit or support the implementation of a preventive heart health program for perimenopausal women. Additionally, the investigators aim to evaluate the effectiveness of our pilot women's health program in raising awareness and promoting behavior change to maintain cardiovascular health.