We all know that a healthy heart is crucial for our overall health and well-being, no matter what age we are. But when we reach perimenopause and menopause, what impact does it have on our cardiovascular health?

As women transition through the stages of menopause, they often encounter a myriad of physical and emotional changes. While most are aware of the common symptoms like hot flushes and mood swings, what many may not realise is that menopause can also significantly impact your heart health too.

Here, we look at the relationship between menopause and cardiovascular well-being and how to help protect your heart during perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.

Understanding menopause and its impact on cardiovascular risk factors and heart health

1. Cardiovascular Disease and Women:
Contrary to common belief, cardiovascular disease (CVD) isn’t exclusive to men. In fact, the risk of a heart attack can become five times higher after menopause, and CVD is by far the leading cause of death in post-menopausal women.

2. Estrogen’s Protective Role:
Estrogen, the primary female sex hormone, plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health. It helps regulate cholesterol levels, has anti-inflammatory effects on blood vessels, and promotes the production of chemicals that protect the heart. The decline in estrogen levels during menopause can increase the risk of coronary artery disease.

3. Estrogen Decline:
During menopause, our estrogen levels will drop significantly. This hormonal shift leads to a whole host of changes in the body, including increased cholesterol levels and the accumulation of fatty deposits in blood vessels. This decline in estrogen levels can also lead to an increased risk of coronary heart disease.

Cardiovascular Risk Factors

As women transition through menopause, the decline in estrogen levels can significantly impact cardiovascular health. Estrogen has a protective effect on the heart, helping to maintain healthy blood vessels, reduce inflammation, and improve lipid profiles. However, as estrogen levels drop, the risk of developing cardiovascular disease increases.

Several cardiovascular risk factors become more prominent during menopause:

• High Blood Pressure:
  Often referred to as hypertension, high blood pressure is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Women with higher blood pressure are more likely to develop heart-related issues, especially after menopause.
  
  
• High Cholesterol:
  Elevated levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and low levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Smoking:
  Smoking is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can greatly reduce this risk and improve overall heart health.
  
  
• Obesity:
  Excess weight, particularly around the waistline, can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial for heart health.
  
  
• Physical Inactivity:
  A sedentary lifestyle can contribute to cardiovascular disease. Regular physical activity helps to improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increase HDL cholesterol.
  
  
• Diabetes:
  Women with diabetes are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, especially if their diabetes is not well-managed.

By being aware of these cardiovascular risk factors, women can take proactive steps to protect their heart health during menopause.

Menopause Symptoms and Cardiovascular Health

Menopause brings a host of symptoms that can affect cardiovascular health. Hot flashes, night sweats, and mood changes can all contribute to increased stress levels, which in turn can negatively impact the heart. Additionally, sleep disturbances and anxiety, common during menopause, can elevate the risk of cardiovascular disease.

It’s important to recognize that some menopause symptoms may also be indicative of underlying cardiovascular issues. For instance, chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, and fatigue can be symptoms of cardiovascular disease. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s crucial to seek medical attention immediately.

Understanding the connection between menopause symptoms and cardiovascular health can help women take timely action to protect their heart.

Heart palpitations and heart disease in menopause

Many women aren’t aware that heart palpitations are a symptom of menopause, but they’re more common than you think, with approximately 50% of women experiencing them at some point throughout their perimenopause and menopause journey.

When first experienced, heart palpitations can be unsettling and can often catch you by surprise. You may suddenly become acutely aware of your heart beating, which can feel irregular or like it’s beating faster than your usual heartbeat. Some women describe it as a fluttering sensation, while others feel like their heart is racing almost out of control. Palpitations can last anywhere from a few seconds to several minutes and may coincide with other menopausal symptoms such as hot flushes, night sweats, dizziness, or breathlessness.

As with most things during menopause, these palpitations are caused by fluctuating estrogen levels, which can influence the heart’s electrical impulse pathways. While palpitations might feel alarming, they are typically harmless. However, it’s important to note that these symptoms can sometimes be indicative of underlying heart disease. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to seek advice from your healthcare professional.

When Should I Be Concerned?

It's important to be aware of potential concerns and symptoms that may indicate the need for medical attention. When you have blocked or narrowed blood vessels, you may experiencepains in the chest, jaw, neck, or arm and feel sick, breathless, or faint. If you are experiencing any of these, seek an urgent appointment with your doctor or, if needed, call 000..

Managing Cardiovascular Risk Factors

Managing cardiovascular risk factors is essential for reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease during menopause. Here are some strategies to help you maintain a healthy heart:

• Maintain a Healthy Weight:
  Excess weight can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise.
  
  
• Exercise Regularly:
  Physical activity is a powerful tool for heart health. Regular exercise can improve blood flow, lower blood pressure, and increase HDL cholesterol.
  
  
• Eat a Healthy Diet:
  A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease. Avoid processed foods and limit your intake of saturated fats and sugars.
  
  
• Quit Smoking:
  Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Quitting smoking can significantly reduce your risk and improve your overall health.
  
  
• Manage Stress:
  Chronic stress can negatively impact cardiovascular health. Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as through meditation, yoga, or other relaxation techniques.

By adopting these lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage cardiovascular risk factors and protect your heart health during menopause.

Heart Health Screenings

Regular heart health screenings are crucial for maintaining cardiovascular health during menopause. Here are some important screenings to consider:

• Blood Pressure Checks:
  Regular blood pressure checks can help identify high blood pressure, a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Cholesterol Checks:
  Monitoring your cholesterol levels can help detect high LDL cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Blood Glucose Checks:
  Regular blood glucose checks can help identify diabetes, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
  
  
• Electrocardiogram (ECG):
  An ECG can detect abnormal heart rhythms and other cardiovascular conditions.
  
  
• Stress Test:
  A stress test measures the heart’s response to physical activity and can help identify cardiovascular disease.

Discuss your individual risk factors and health status with your healthcare provider to determine the best heart health screenings for your needs. Regular screenings can help detect issues early and allow for timely intervention to protect your heart health.

Heart health tips for menopausal women

Today, women on average live to 81 and can spend up to 50% of their lives in some stage of menopause, so it’s important to take charge of your heart health. Cardiovascular risk assessment plays a crucial role in guiding lifestyle changes to reduce the risk of heart disease.

 

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This article has been reviewed by our expert advisory team.