Menopause brings significant hormonal changes for women. While many focus on symptoms like hot flashes and the end of menstruation, fewer realize how these hormonal shifts can affect heart health.
Dr. Ryhm Radjef, a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health, explained that reproductive hormones like estrogen and progesterone play a protective role for the heart.
“After menopause, your body has stopped producing those hormones and, as a result, your heart loses that protection,” Radjef said. “This is why post-menopausal women are at an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease.”
Evaluating heart health risks before menopause
Radjef advises that as women enter perimenopause and menopause, it’s crucial to evaluate heart disease risk factors and consider lifestyle changes.
“Taking control over certain aspects of your health and wellness can lower your chances of developing heart disease after menopause,” she said.
Key modifiable risk factors include:
- Hypertension (high blood pressure): Elevated blood pressure forces the heart to work harder, which, over time, can lead to complications like heart attack or stroke.
- Diabetes: Having diabetes doubles your risk of heart disease, and unmanaged diabetes increases that risk further.
- Hyperlipidemia (high cholesterol): Excess cholesterol can cause fatty plaque buildup in arteries, increasing the risk of blockages.
- Obesity: Excess weight often correlates with high blood pressure, cholesterol and type 2 diabetes, making it harder for the heart to pump blood effectively.
- Smoking and tobacco use: Smoking contributes to arterial plaque buildup, raising the risk of stroke and peripheral artery disease.
Consult your doctor to learn how you can manage these risk factors effectively.
Prevent heart disease with lifestyle changes
“In addition to looking at your modifiable risk factors, it is also necessary to change your lifestyle,” says Dr. Radjef.
Research indicates that about 80% of heart disease cases are preventable. Making lifestyle adjustments before menopause can significantly reduce your risk once estrogen production declines.
Radjef recommends:
- Changing your diet: Focus on heart-healthy foods and reduce intake of added fats and sodium.
- Exercising regularly: Even short workouts strengthen the heart muscle.
- Discussing medication options: If you have high blood pressure or other risk factors, talk with your doctor about medications that can help manage your condition.
- Keeping up with health screenings: Schedule regular checkups to monitor blood pressure, cholesterol and diabetes risk.
“Making these lifestyle changes now is going to be key to prevent cardiovascular disease in the future,” Radjef said.
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