Heart Health In Menopause
Menopause does not cause cardiovascular disease, but it can increase certain heart health risk factors.
A high-fat diet, smoking and other unhealthy lifestyles can have negative consequences for heart health .
The risk of suffering from heart disease increases for everyone as the years go by, but for women entering menopause this danger can be greater.
On average the onset of menopause occurs around the age of 45, this phase is known as premenopause. In general terms, there was an increase in heart attacks among women ten after the onset of menopause.
Heart complication can be said to be the main killer of women. One in three adult women has some form of cardiovascular disease.
The connection between menopause and heart health
Menopause indicates the end of the menstrual cycle. This is a natural process that most women go through around the age of 50, although in some cases it can happen earlier.
During menopause, the ovaries stop producing estrogen, the hormones that control the menstrual cycle and help keep blood vessels strong and elastic.
Menopause does not cause heart disease, however its appearance increases the conditions and risk factors that can cause some complications to our heart. During this stage of life, the following disorders can occur:
- Increased blood pressure.
- Higher levels of bad cholesterol (LDL) in the blood.
- Increased triglycerides.
- Lower levels of HDL or good cholesterol, which helps regulate bad cholesterol levels in the blood.
Although there is a connection between estrogen before menopause and a lower risk of suffering some heart disease and cerebrovascular accident (stroke), taking these hormones as a preventative measure for heart disease is not recommended after menopause.
Symptoms of Heart Disorders in Women
As the years go by, both men and women are at greater risk of suffering from a heart condition. However, we may think that some symptoms are normal manifestations of aging, but sometimes this is not the case-
For this reason it is important to speak to your doctor if we suffer from the following symptoms:
- Chest pain.
- Respiratory difficulties.
- Palpitations.
- Swollen feet or ankles.
Symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women and men. The former can experience pain in the chest, arm or lack of air. Other milder symptoms can be :
- Nausea.
- Excessive sweating.
- Persistent fatigue.
- Lightheadedness or lightheadedness.
- Chest pressure or pain that appears and disappears.
- Pain in the jaw, neck, arms or back.
Protect heart health
Adopting healthy habits from an early age is sure to help reduce the risk of heart disease as you age. Here are some recommendations for protecting heart health:
- Eat a healthy diet rich in fiber, while minimizing the consumption of salt, sugar and processed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and low-fat dairy products play an important role in caring for our body’s main organ.
- Engage in regular physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity such as walking, cycling, dancing, or swimming, for at least five days a week.
- Quit smoking and avoid being passive smokers. No matter how many years you’ve had this unhealthy habit, it’s never too late to quit cigarettes.
- Coping with stress. Pursuing a hobby, meditating or doing yoga are excellent strategies for regaining mental serenity. Either way, make sure that exercise is always moderate.
- Treating depression. Studies have shown that middle-aged women suffering from depression are twice as likely to suffer a cerebrovascular accident (stroke).
- Get regular medical checks. They will help us keep risk factors under control, talk about symptoms and get the necessary treatments on time.
Menopause is not a disease, but a natural phase in a woman’s life cycle. As menopause approaches it is important to have a balanced life to protect heart health.
