Menopause Increases Women’s Risk of Heart Disease
Courtesy of the American Heart Association
During a woman’s late 40s to mid-50s when a woman experiences menopause, her risk for developing heart issues increases. Monitoring this phase of life and developing intervention strategies may help prevent heart disease, according to the American Heart Association’s Scientific Committee.
“Over the past 20 years, our knowledge of how the menopause transition might contribute to cardiovascular disease has been dramatically evolving,” said Samar R. El Khoudary, PhD, MPH, FAHA, associate professor of epidemiology at the University of Pittsburgh Graduate School of Public Health. Prior to menopause, women produce the female sex hormone estrogen, which may have cardio-protective effects. However, when women go through the menopause transition, their ovaries stop producing as much estrogen.
“Significant changes in a woman’s cardiometabolic and vascular health during menopause, and the transition leading up to menopause, may lead to higher heart disease risk,” says Dr. Vijay S. Iyer, Chief of Cardiology at the Jacobs School of Medicine, and Chief of Cardiology for Kaleida Health. He adds, “Women tend to see themselves as caregivers, and therefore don’t see themselves as being at risk. However, menopause is a time in a woman’s life when she is at an increased risk for heart problems.
Dr. Iyer, who is also a member of the board of the American Heart Association of WNY, describes common symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, depression, sleep disturbances, weight gain, and increased LDL cholesterol. All of these have a correlation with cardiovascular disease. The risk is further increased among women who experience early menopause. This is especially true for Hispanic and Black women who tend to experience menopause at a younger age. Physical activity and nutrition may also play a role in the timing of menopause for all women. Women who drink little to moderate amounts of alcohol may have later onset of menopause, and those who smoke cigarettes are likely to start menopause about a year earlier than non-smokers.
Dr. Iyer says hormone therapy may be a protective factor in post-menopausal women. He explains, “While hormone therapy has been debated for years, the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. However, each woman’s experience is unique and individualized. For example, if a woman has a history of breast cancer, a serious discussion with her physician is needed before starting therapy. Lifestyle and behavioral interventions are also critical to maintaining cardiovascular health.”
Ultimately, women should monitor their health more closely during menopause because it is a critical time during which early intervention strategies can help maintain heart health and reduce the risk of heart disease.
The American Heart Association of Western New York is currently focused on COVID-19 research and response, women’s health, patients with chronic conditions, healthy living, and ending tobacco use and vaping. Call 716-243-4600 or visit www.Heart.org/Buffalo to learn more. Follow AHANewYork on twitter and AHANewYork on Facebook to learn more.
