Menopause, aside from bringing an end to monthly periods, can also introduce various health challenges, such as sleep issues, depression, metabolic syndrome, inflammation, and an increased risk of heart disease.
“During the transition to menopause, especially in the late 1940s, women undergo significant changes related to cardiovascular health,” mentions Samar R. El Khodary, an epidemiology professor at the Pittsburgh School of Public Health.
One concerning change is the rise in visceral fat, which negatively affects heart health. This period also sees an elevated risk of metabolic syndrome, characterized by a combination of factors including waist size, glucose levels, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, and blood pressure.
Recent research indicates that only one out of five menopausal women have achieved ideal scores on the American Heart Association’s Health Assessment Tool, known as Life’s Essential 8.
“Increased thickness and stiffness of the carotid artery signals a decline in blood vessel health, and menopause symptoms can disrupt sleep patterns,” El Khodary added.
Elle Koudaly and her research team confirmed the disheartening statistic that many women score low on the Essential 8 categories, which include physical activity, cholesterol, diet, sleep, blood pressure, blood sugar, weight, and smoking.
Analyzing data from about 3,000 women, researchers found that four elements—sleep, blood pressure, blood sugar, and smoking—were particularly influential in predicting future heart issues.
“This discovery is crucial because it sheds light on factors that could significantly affect women’s heart health in the long run,” Koudaly noted.
However, there’s a caveat: the study didn’t investigate whether addressing these particular factors would provide better results compared to focusing on others—something for future research to explore.
Overall, it’s clear that women, especially during menopause, must cultivate healthy habits to maintain heart health. But, admittedly, that’s often easier said than done.
Dr. Stacey Rosen, a volunteer with Northwell Health in New York, highlighted that cardiovascular disease (CVD) remains a leading cause of death among women.
Shockingly, nearly 45% of women over 20 live with some form of CVD, Rosen shared.
Symptoms in women can differ significantly from traditional ones—while many think of pain radiating from the left arm, women might experience fatigue, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, and even indigestion.
Pain in areas like the jaw, neck, and back can also be symptoms that are often overlooked.
The upside? Many instances of CVD can be prevented with lifestyle choices, heightened awareness, and education. As Rosen puts it, “Taking charge of your mental health is vital.”
Being aware of risk factors like cholesterol, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, and blood sugar can make a big difference. Experts advocate for a diet rich in fiber and antioxidants and advise engaging in moderate exercise for at least 150 minutes weekly, along with quitting smoking.
