Menopause is a transitional phase that comes with many changes. From uncomfortable symptoms to emotional fluctuations, there’s a lot that comes with menopause. Now, it appears that women may have to worry about more than just reduced libido and hot flashes, as research indicates that postmenopausal women may be more likely to experience cardiovascular issues.
Menopause and Heart Health
Regarding the gender disparities in heart disease, experts have identified that women have a greater chance of dying from heart disease than men and a new study may have identified hormonal changes as a risk factor.
For their analysis, researchers used data from 579 postmenopausal women who took statins to control their cholesterol. The women had undergone two coronary artery calcium (CAC) screenings at least a year apart. The scans can indicate a person’s heart attack risk by measuring the buildup of plaque, cholesterol, and other substances in the heart’s arteries (the higher the score, the greater the risk).
To compare postmenopausal women’s risk of heart issues to the risk for men, the researchers also scanned men with a similar profile in terms of race, age, statin use, blood pressure, and diabetes status as the women screened.
Per the findings, presented at an American College of Cardiology conference, the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues, such as a heart attack or stroke, is shockingly more likely for women after they have gone through menopause.
“This study is one of the first that shows you are at a markedly increased risk after menopause and that your risk almost matches that of men for cardiac events,” – Ella Ishaaya, MD, internal medicine physician at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center and study lead.
Post-menopausal women experience lower levels of estrogen, and this hormone works to keep “bad” cholesterol in check and performs other functions that protect the heart. As a result of the decline in estrogen, postmenopausal women are more likely to experience poor heart health.
“After menopause, women have much less estrogen and shift to a more testosterone-heavy profile,” Ishaaya said.
“This affects the way your body stores fat, where it stores fat, and the way it processes fat; it even affects the way your blood clots. And all of those [changes] increase your risk for developing heart disease.”
Post-menopausal heart health
With women facing such a high risk of heart disease, and the study’s findings, it’s clear that post-menopausal heart health is an issue that needs to be prioritized. Yes, the study does have its limitations, such as researchers only analyzing data from women taking statins. However, the reality is that post-menopausal women speak to their doctor about heart disease risk factors and follow up on any recommended tests or monitoring.
How women can protect their heart health
“One of the best things that postmenopausal women can do is take a preventative approach in their premenopausal years, which can continue into their postmenopausal years.
Women need to take charge of their cardiovascular health, and this begins early with diet, exercise, and heart-healthy lifestyle modifications.”- Megan Kamath, MD, cardiologist
These lifestyle habits include quitting smoking, managing your stress levels, and regularly exercising. In addition, it would greatly benefit you to see your doctor regularly about your cholesterol, blood pressure, and overall risk for heart disease.
That said, if you begin to experience symptoms that relate to heart disease such as chest pain, nausea, shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, and palpitations, do not leave them untreated and consult a medical professional/cardiologist.
Want to know more?
Menopause may not be the only thing raising one’s risk for heart disease, as new research has indicated that vaping may increase one’s likelihood of experiencing heart failure.
References
Study: Women’s Heart Health Declines Rapidly After Menopause
Heart Health Declines Rapidly After Menopause – American College of Cardiology (acc.org)
