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How is Menopause Linked to Heart Disease in Women?
A very Happy Mother’s Day to all the amazing mothers!
Honouring all the wonderful mothers out there and their healthy well-being, we’d like to take this opportunity to reflect upon how menopause can be a major cause of heart diseases in women across the globe. Hence, it’s important that you pay special attention to the mothers or any elderly women around you, especially those who are going to or already have reached their menopausal states.
Many women believe that heart disease is primarily a male disease. It’s not.
Did you know? In fact, after the age of 50, cardiovascular disease accounts for nearly half of all female deaths. |
Although women, in general, have a lower risk of developing coronary heart disease, their risk increases after menopause. Women’s risk of heart disease skyrockets after the age of 50, roughly the age of natural menopause. Young women who have had early or surgical menopause and do not take estrogen have a higher risk of developing heart disease. This, thus, establishes the fact that menopause and heart problems if not entirely but are somewhat interlinked.
How does menopause increase the risk of heart problems in women?
Oestrogen is important because it protects various parts of your body, like your heart and blood vessels, bones, brain, skin, and vagina, all of which can be affected by low levels.
Oestrogen protects a woman’s heart arteries in a variety of ways, including reducing the buildup of fatty plaque. This means that after menopause, you are more likely to develop heart and circulatory problems. Low oestrogen levels can raise cholesterol levels, increasing your risk of getting heart and circulatory disease.
Menopause can cause palpitations (the sensation that your heart is beating faster than usual) as a result of changing hormone levels. This can happen occasionally during hot flushes. Palpitations are usually not dangerous.
Is there also a connection between early menopause and heart problems?
Before the age of 40, one in every 100 women experience early menopause. It puts them at an especially high risk of developing premature heart and circulatory disease, as well as osteoporosis (a bone-weakening condition).
If you are below 45 years and your periods stop, you may require tests to determine if there is another cause. Although family history can play a role, early menopause can also be linked to thyroid disease, viral infection, and eating disorders. Women are also at risk after surgical or treatment-induced menopause, such as when undergoing cancer treatment that necessitates the removal of female organs.
Early menopause treatment is very crucial. People in this category should use hormone replacement therapy (HRT) or the combined contraceptive pill until they are 51 years old to reduce their risk of heart and circulatory disease, as well as osteoporosis.
How can you prevent heart disease post-menopause?
Implementing the following lifestyle changes may help you bring down your risk of heart disease during and after menopause:
Smokers are twice at the risk of having heart attack when compared to non-smokers. In addition to quitting smoking, avoid secondhand smoke, which increases the risk of heart disease.
Your heart has to work harder when you weigh more than your ideal weight to provide nutrients to your body. Obesity is said to be linked to the development of heart disease, according to research.
The heart, like any other muscle, requires exercise to stay strong and healthy. Being physically active or exercising on a regular basis (ideally, at least 150 minutes per week) aids your heart to pump blood efficiently throughout your body. It lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, relieves stress, aids in weight loss, and improves blood sugar levels.
Reduce your intake of saturated fat, trans fat (partially hydrogenated fats), and soy while increasing your intake of fibre, whole grains, legumes, vegetables, fish, fruits, folate-rich foods, and soy.
Medical conditions must be treated and controlled. Medical conditions must be treated and controlled. Diabetes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol issues all increase your risk of developing heart disease.
What role does Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) play in preventing heart problems in menopausal women?
The ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen during menopause. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a method of replenishing estrogen and regulating common menopausal symptoms such as bladder symptoms, hot flashes, and mood swings, as well as preventing osteoporosis. Estrogen products are commonly taken orally as a pill, topically as a cream or patch, or intravaginally.
Some people may be afraid of HRT or believe that avoiding HRT will make them healthier, but there is no evidence whatsoever that this is the case, and they may be suffering unnecessarily due to this. They may be more likely to engage in unhealthy lifestyle habits such as inactivity and overeating in order to improve their mood, increasing their risk of heart disease.
Do not live in oblivion! Get to know the risks of heart disease post menopause
Menopause and heart problems can sometimes be a tricky combination to navigate. Fortunately, German Heart Centre (GHC) is here to provide expert advice and help you understand the link between menopause and your cardiovascular health. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about this topic, as our team of experienced professionals is more than willing to assist!
Remember that being proactive with your health is always best, so contact GHC today for more information on how menopausal women can look after their hearts.
Because Mothers are to be treasured! HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY!!