Key takeaways
- Your hormones help protect your cardiovascular health.
- Cholesterol can rise, impacting the health of your arteries.
- Leading to increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
If you’re a woman who’s entering menopause, you’ll already be aware of the hot flushes, brain fog, mood swings and night sweats. But if there’s one area that deserves more of your attention during this time, it’s your heart health…
And, if you didn’t already know, October is World Menopause Month, so there’s no more relevant time to think about it and what it means for you.
What’s menopause got to do with my heart?
Good question. It’s actually the hormonal changes that occur during menopause, particularly the drop in oestrogen, that play a role in your cardiovascular health.
“Oestrogen plays an important role in protecting women's cardiovascular health, helping to regulate cholesterol levels and maintain healthy blood vessels. As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, cholesterol levels can rise and the arteries become more susceptible to the build-up of fatty deposits, known as atherosclerosis. Over time, this can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including heart attacks and strokes. This is why menopause is such an important time for women to understand their cardiovascular health and take steps to protect it for the future.”
Dr Adam Haque Founder & Medical Director
The problem is, you often won’t know what’s going on with your cardiovascular health. In fact, high blood pressure is nicknamed ‘the silent killer’ because it tends to have no warning signs or symptoms.
As if menopause itself wasn’t enough of a challenge, now you have to show some extra consideration to your heart health, too.
But, the good news is that there are simple steps you can take to manage your cardiovascular risk.
“Regular exercise is one of the most effective ways to protect your cardiovascular health. Whether it's brisk walking, swimming, cycling or running, anything that gets your heart working harder helps to strengthen your cardiovascular system and reduce your risk of future disease. Strength training is equally important, particularly as we get older, helping to preserve muscle mass, bone strength and metabolic health. But exercise is only part of the picture. Avoiding smoking, limiting alcohol and eating a balanced diet all contribute to healthier arteries and a lower risk of heart attack and stroke. The important thing is that small, consistent changes to your lifestyle can have a profound impact on your long-term cardiovascular health.”
Dr Adam Haque Founder & Medical Director
And finally, stay on top of your numbers. That includes your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose, aka the amount of sugar in your blood.
If you don’t know your numbers, don’t make it a guessing game. Only a test will give you a clear picture of your heart health, so you can put any necessary steps in place to protect it.
13 million - The number of UK women currently going through menopause. That’s one-third of the female population! (Source: NHS)
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