Menopause is a natural stage of aging but the years around menopause can also bring important changes in cardiovascular health. With decreased oestrogen levels, women might suffer cholesterol, blood pressure, body weight and blood-vessel health changes.
A major health concern for women is heart disease during and after menopause; therefore, cardiovascular risk factors must be taken into account. In these seven things women should know after 40.
1. Heart Risk Changes With Age
Before menopause women are generally at a lower risk of cardiovascular disease than men of the same age. As women get older, this difference becomes smaller, especially after menopause.
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Ageing is a key heart disease risk factor and so are blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes and smoking.
2. Cholesterol Can Change
Hormonal changes in menopause can affect cholesterol levels. LDL cholesterol (bad cholesterol) can increase, and other lipid levels can also change.
Regular cholesterol checks can help establish changes early. Your doctor can determine how often testing is appropriate based on age and individual risk factors.
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3. Blood Pressure Matters
Blood pressure can gradually increase with age. Some women may also develop higher blood pressure during the menopausal transition.
High blood pressure rarely has obvious symptoms, and it is important to keep routine checks. Healthy eating is key to healthy blood pressure, as is not eating junk and exercising regularly.
4. Weight and Belly Fat May Increase
Hormonal changes, ageing and changes in muscle mass may lead to weight gain and increased abdominal fat during midlife.
What's more: Excess abdominal fat can result in a higher risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems (e.g., diabetes). Women can maintain a healthy body composition through exercise, strength training and a healthy diet.
5. Exercise Supports Heart Health
Physical activity is one of the most useful habits for cardiovascular health. Walking, cycling, swimming and other cardio activities can help to improve fitness, while resistance exercises help build muscle strength.
Women should choose activities they can conduct safely and consistently. Even slowly and surely increasing daily movement can be beneficial for overall health.
6. Don't Ignore Diabetes and Blood Sugar
The risk of developing type 2 diabetes increases with age and diabetes is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Health risk factors such as excess weight, high blood pressure or family history of diabetes can be reasons for a woman to get blood-sugar checks regularly. Talk to a healthcare professional about appropriate screening.
7. Menopause Symptoms Are Not the Same as Heart Symptoms
Hot flashes, sleep problems and mood changes can occur during menopause. But chest pressure or pain, sudden shortness of breath, fainting, sudden sweating or pain spreading to the arm, back, neck or jaw can signal a heart emergency.
Women should not assume concerning symptoms are caused by menopause. Emergency medical care is required when symptoms could indicate a heart attack.
Takeaway
Menopause is not a disease but it is a good time to reassess heart health. Blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar monitoring, physical activity and diet, avoiding tobacco and talking about your risk factors with a healthcare professional can help to keep your cardiovascular health strong at midlife and beyond.
This article is for general information and does not replace medical advice.
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