As women age, the transition into menopause is a natural phase, but it also brings about significant hormonal changes. Among the many health concerns associated with menopause, heart disease is one of the most critical.

While ages and gender can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, some factors can increase during a woman’s menopause period, typically between 54 and 61.

The link between menopause and heart disease is complex, but women over 50 need to know about it. As hormone levels fluctuate, particularly the decline in estrogen, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease can increase significantly.

Let’s explore the risks of heart disease during menopause and provide practical recommendations to help manage menopause heart health.

The Connection Between Menopause and Heart Disease

Menopause and heart disease are closely connected, with the transition often marked by an increased risk of developing heart problems. During menopause, women experience a natural drop in estrogen, a hormone known for its protective effect on the cardiovascular system.

Estrogen plays a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels, improving blood pressure, and regulating cholesterol levels, all of which contribute to better cardiovascular health. This protective effect of estrogen helps reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, particularly in postmenopausal women.

As estrogen levels decrease, women may face an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Women tend to experience menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings, but menopause heart symptoms are often overlooked. Heart palpitations, chest pain, and even heart attack symptoms from menopause can manifest as part of this transition.

These symptoms can be a sign of underlying cardiovascular risk, and ignoring them may delay diagnosis and treatment, potentially leading to heart disease.

Menopause increases a woman’s risk of heart disease, with some risk factors increasing around the time of menopause. A woman’s risk of having a heart attack before menopause is lower than a man’s at the same age, but 10 years after menopause, the number of women having heart attacks rises significantly.

Menopause doesn’t cause heart disease, but it’s a time of life when women should take stock of their cardiovascular health. A woman’s risk of heart disease is higher if she experiences early menopause or has had her ovaries removed before age 40.

READ ALSO: Hot Flashes or Heart Attack: How to Tell the Difference and Stay Safe

Signs of a Heart Attack in Women

• Many times, signs of heart attack are different for women, including chest pressure or discomfort, unusual fatigue, shortness of breath, pain in the back, neck, arm, or jaw, dizziness, or nausea.

• Women tend to have a lower perception of risk and may delay diagnosis and treatment.

• Estrogen provides a protective effect against heart disease in women, and the risk increases after menopause.

How Menopause Increases the Risk of Heart Disease

Menopause is more than just the cessation of menstruation; it’s a significant shift in the body’s hormonal balance. This hormonal change can influence a variety of cardiovascular risk factors that directly contribute to heart disease.

The menopause transition is a critical period during which women’s cardiovascular disease risks significantly increase due to hormonal changes, particularly the reduction of estrogen.

Here’s how menopause can increase the risk of heart disease:

1. Declining Estrogen levels

Estrogen has been shown to help regulate blood pressure and cholesterol levels, two critical factors in maintaining heart health.

As estrogen levels drop during menopause, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular risk factors can increase, significantly elevating the risk of developing heart disease.

2. Abdominal Obesity

Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, is a common issue for many women during menopause. Abdominal obesity is a known risk factor for cardiovascular disease and can increase the chances of developing heart disease.

Additionally, metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal cholesterol levels, becomes more prevalent during this time.

3. Increased Blood Clotting

As hormone therapy or hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is used to treat menopausal symptoms, women may experience an increased risk of blood clots.

This can be especially dangerous for those already at risk for cardiovascular disease or a heart attack.

4. Physical Inactivity

During menopause, many women experience a shift in physical activity levels due to a combination of fatigue, brain fog, and other menopause symptoms.

Lack of regular physical activity is one of the leading causes of cardiovascular disease and is associated with higher rates of heart disease.

READ ALSO: Essential Guide to Heart Health for Women: Risks and Prevention

Menopause Heart Problems: Symptoms and Signs

The symptoms of menopause heart problems can be subtle and often go unnoticed. Understanding the signs is critical for timely diagnosis and treatment.

• Heart Palpitations: Many women report feeling like their heart is racing or fluttering, which can be a symptom of menopause heart attack or cardiac symptoms.

• Chest Pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest can be a sign of heart disease or a heart attack. It’s essential to differentiate between the chest pain caused by menopausal symptoms and that caused by cardiovascular disease.

• Fatigue: Extreme tiredness can be both a common symptom of menopause and a sign of heart disease. Feeling unusually fatigued, especially during physical activity, should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing can occur due to heart disease or other related conditions. Women experiencing shortness of breath should seek medical attention to rule out cardiovascular issues.

• Increased Heart Rate: While an elevated heart rate can be a common symptom of hot flashes, it can also indicate more severe cardiovascular risk if it persists.

💡Key Facts

• New research suggests that women with both migraines and vasomotor symptoms (hot flashes and night sweats) are significantly more likely to develop heart disease or have a stroke.

• Women with a history of both symptoms are 1.5 times as likely to develop heart disease and 1.7 times as likely to have a stroke when compared to other women.

• The study found that the link was particularly strong among women who have migraines with aura.

• Nearly 8 in 10 menopausal women experience hot flashes, while migraines affect about 17.5% of women in their late reproductive years.

Risk Factors for Heart Disease in Menopausal Women

Several cardiovascular risk factors can contribute to the risk of heart disease in women over 50:

High Blood Pressure

As blood pressure naturally increases with age, women in menopause may experience high blood pressure at a higher rate than their pre-menopausal counterparts. This condition significantly raises the cardiovascular risk for developing heart disease.

High Cholesterol

High cholesterol, particularly high levels of LDL (bad cholesterol) and low levels of HDL (good cholesterol), contributes to the buildup of plaque in the arteries, increasing the risk of heart attacks and stroke.

Physical Inactivity

Lack of exercise or physical activity during the menopausal transition can increase cardiovascular risk. Regular physical activity is essential for maintaining heart health and reducing cardiovascular disease risk.

Smoking

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease and exacerbates the effects of menopause on heart health.

Practical Recommendations for Menopause Heart Health

Maintaining heart health during menopause is essential for reducing the risk of heart disease. Here are some practical recommendations to improve cardiovascular health during this life stage:

• Adopt a Healthy Diet: A heart-healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health. Limiting saturated fats, trans fats, and cholesterol-rich foods can help manage blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

• Exercise Regularly: Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking, swimming, or cycling, can significantly reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week.

• Monitor Blood Pressure: Regular monitoring of blood pressure is essential to detect any spikes or changes that may indicate cardiovascular disease.

• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Weight gain during menopause, particularly around the abdomen, increases the risk of metabolic syndrome and heart disease. Achieving and maintaining a healthy weight is critical for lowering cardiovascular risk.

• Manage Stress: High stress levels can contribute to high blood pressure and heart disease. Incorporating relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises can help manage stress.

• Avoid Smoking: Smoking accelerates cardiovascular disease and increases the risk of heart attacks and stroke. Quitting smoking is one of the best ways to improve heart health.

The Role of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) in Menopause Heart Health

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is often prescribed to alleviate menopausal symptoms. While HRT can offer relief from hot flashes, night sweats, and other symptoms, its role in cardiovascular health is controversial.

Research suggests that HRT may have both positive and negative effects on heart health, depending on the individual’s age, health status, and the type of therapy used.

• For Younger Women: Hormone therapy may provide a protective effect against heart disease if started early in the menopausal transition.

• For Older Women: The risks of blood clots and heart disease can increase with HRT if started later. Women who begin hormone replacement therapy after the age of 60 are at a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease.

Consulting a Cardiologist

Consulting a cardiologist is an essential step in maintaining heart health, particularly for women who are at risk of cardiovascular disease.

A cardiologist can help to:

• Assess cardiovascular risk factors: A cardiologist can assess a woman’s risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and family history.

• Develop a personalized treatment plan: A cardiologist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help manage cardiovascular risk factors and reduce the risk of heart disease.

• Monitor cardiovascular health: A cardiologist can monitor a woman’s cardiovascular health over time, making adjustments to the treatment plan as needed.

Women should consult with a cardiologist if they:

• Have a family history of heart disease

• Have high blood pressure or high cholesterol

• Have experienced menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes or night sweats

• Have a history of cardiovascular disease

• Are concerned about their cardiovascular health

Speaking with a cardiologist is one way for women to take charge of their heart health and lower their risk of heart disease.

Closing Thoughts

Menopause and heart disease are intricately linked, with several factors during this transition period contributing to an increased risk of heart disease.

Women can take steps to protect their heart health by learning about the heart health risks and symptoms that come with menopause.

With lifestyle changes, proper diet, and regular monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors, women can reduce their risk of heart disease and lead healthier lives well into their post-menopausal years.

In fact, prevention of cardiovascular diseases should begin early for both men and women. Consultations during the perimenopausal and menopausal periods are an ideal opportunity to assess cardiovascular risk.

♡ Love ♡,

Schellea.