Heart Health During Menopause

Menopause by itself does not actually cause heart disease. However, there are certain risk factors that may increase when a woman stops menstruating. Heart health during menopause is a very important issue. It can also be affected by a high-fat diet, smoking, and other unhealthy habits.

The risk of heart disease increases with age, but in women, some symptoms may be more noticeable after the onset of the menopause.

Women stop menstruating around the age of 45. This stage is called perimenopause. There has been an increase in the incidence of heart attacks in women in the 10 years after the onset of menopause.

You could say that heart disease is the biggest killer for women. One in three adult women suffer from some form of this disease.

Heart health during menopause

Menopause is a condition that occurs when a woman stops menstruating. This is a natural process that women in their 50s experience, but it can also happen earlier.

At the menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, the hormone that controls the menstrual cycle. Estrogen also helps to strengthen the blood vessels and keeps them in good shape.

Menopause itself does not cause heart disease, but menopause increases the risk factors that could cause the disease.

During the menopause, you may notice:

• Higher blood pressure.
• Higher levels of LDL or “bad” cholesterol.
• Lower levels of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, which helps to regulate levels of “bad” cholesterol.
• Higher levels of triglycerides (a type of fat in the blood).

While there may be a link between estrogen levels and a lower risk of heart disease and stroke (premenopausal), doctors generally do not recommend taking estrogen for disease prevention.

Symptoms of heart disease in women

For both men and women, the risk of heart disease increases as they age. Heart health during menopause is an important topic to keep in mind. You may think that some symptoms are normal at a certain age, but they may indicate a health problem.

Therefore, it is important to see your doctor if:

• You have difficulty breathing.
• You have chest pain.
• You have heart palpitations.
• You feel weak or tired.
• Your feet or ankles are swollen.

The symptoms of a heart attack can be different in men and women. Most women may experience chest pain, shoulder pain, or breathlessness. Other symptoms may be rather mild and include:

• chest pain or a feeling of increased pressure that comes and goes
• sweating,
• nausea,
• dizziness,
• pain in the jaw, neck, arms or back
• excessive fatigue.

Stay healthy

You can help yourself reduce the risk of heart disease that gets worse with age by maintaining healthy habits from your youth. Here are some recommendations to help you keep your heart healthy during menopause :

Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber and cut down on salt, sugar, and processed foods.

Do sports regularly. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per day, such as walking, cycling, dancing, or gardening. Try to be active at least five days a week.

Avoid cigarettes or quit smoking and other tobacco products. No matter how long you’ve smoked, it’s never too late to quit.

Find healthy ways to deal with stress. Start a new hobby, try meditation or yoga, and make sure you’re active.

Look for the treatment for depression that is right for you. Some studies have found that middle-aged women who suffer from depression are twice as likely to develop a heart attack.

Visit your doctor regularly. Check-ups will help you stay on track and control risk factors. You can also talk to your doctor about your symptoms and start early treatment.

Menopause is not a disease. This is a natural phase of the female life cycle. It is important for women to pay more attention to their health as it approaches this period.