Do Menopausal Women Suffer an Increased Risk of Cardiovascular Disease?

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in women accounting for almost half of all deaths in women above age 50 (menopause). The relation between the menopause and the increased risk of cardiovascular diseases has been studied for a long time now and empirical evidence by cardiovascular specialists around the world suggest that the post-menopausal women actually suffer an increases risk.

As we age, the risk of cardiovascular diseases does increase but why are menopausal women are prone to higher risk? Read on to know:

Menopause & Cardiovascular Diseases:

Menopause is a natural and inevitable phase every woman goes through after they stop menstruating. It marks the end of their fertility and reproductive period. The changes a woman’s body goes through after the end of her reproductive period (menopause) increases the onset of certain heart disease risk factors, according to cardiovascular specialists.

For example, estrogen that is produced during a woman’s fertile increases the good cholesterols, decrease the bad cholesterol, protects the arteries and also promotes the smooth functioning of blood vessels. As soon as the production of estrogen reduces in post-menopausal women can lead to an increase in the bad cholesterol, decrease in the good cholesterol, and increased the build-up of fat in the arteries raining the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

These risk factors when compounded with other heart disease risk factors like smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high LDL, low HDL, obesity, inactive lifestyle and unhealthy habits accumulated over years further increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases in post-menopausal women.

How to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases in women?

According to cardiovascular specialists, the risk of stroke and heart diseases is lower in women who follow a healthy lifestyle and continue to do so post-menopause. As menopause is a natural and inevitable phase that further adds the risk of heart diseases the best thing women can do is to improve their heart health right now. Here are three simple tips that can help you improve your heart health if you follow then to a T:

Exercise:  Heart is a muscle that revels performs at its best if you exercise regularly. Be it walking, jogging, cycling, swimming regular exercise improves blood flow, lower blood pressure, improves blood sugar levels, and also keeps your weight in-check lightening the burden on your heart. So Aim for at least 20 minutes of exercise every day.

Quit smoking:  No other common habit can negatively impact your heart more than regular smoking, even the second-hand smoke hurt your heat when inhaled for prolonged periods. Quit smoking and you will have already reduced your heart disease risk in half.

Eat for a healthy heart: Proper nutrition is the key to proper functioning any body organ. As for your heart, reduce if not avoid saturated fats, trans-fats & sugary foods. Get your daily fill of nutrients from natural & whole foods like whole grains, legumes, fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish low-fat dairy products, and nuts.

In addition to the above, it is very important to know your risk factors and get treated for any pre-existing health condition which might impact your heart health in the future. We advise you to consult the best cardiovascular specialist to seek help regarding the prevention of cardiovascular diseases in the near future. If you are living in and around Telangana, Dr. Gokhale is the best cardiothoracic surgeon in Hyderabad who can help you with your heart health.