Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s breeding years, usually between 45 and 55 years of age. While many people know about symptoms like warm glow and mood, they feel less feeling that significant effects may have on menopause heart health. Dr. According to Sunita Mahesh, the Director of Medical and Senior Advisor in infertility and maternal fetal drug at Milan Fertility Hospital in Bengaluru, “menopause hormonal changes that can increase the risk of heart diseases. Understanding these risks and adopting preventive measures is important for prolonged welfare.”

Role of estrogen in heart health

Estrogen plays a protective role in maintaining heart health. It helps regulate cholesterol levels, keeps blood vessels flexible, and prevents the construction of fat deposits in the arteries. However, as a perspective of menopause, estrogen levels fall, which increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and coronary heart disease.

Dr. Mahesh explains, “Estrogen helps to dilute blood vessels and maintain good cholesterol levels. When estrogen levels fall, women become more prone to high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance and arterial stiffness, all of which contribute to heart diseases.”

How menopause increases the disease of heart disease, suggests that women usually reduce the risk of heart disease before menopause. However, as estrogen levels fall, many factors contribute to an enlarged risk, including:

Weight gain: hormonal changes can slow metabolism, which can make weight management more challenging.

High cholesterol levels: Decline in estrogen can lead to high levels of LDL (poor cholesterol) and lower levels of HDL (good cholesterol), which increases the risk of plaque buildup in the arteries.

Increased blood pressure: Low estrogen can promote arteries, which can increase blood pressure levels.

Insulin Resistance: Menopause can contribute to glucose intolerance, which increases the risk of diabetes and metabolic syndrome.

Dr. Mahesh warned, “Women who experience menopause before the age of 45 are at greater risk of heart disease development. Early menopause should be closely monitored, and preventive measures should be taken immediately.”

Menopausal

Symptoms of menopause and heart disease are often overlap, which requires differences between the two. Symptoms of general menopause that may indicate the underlying heart issues include:

Heartbeat: irregular or racing heartbeats

Chest discomfort: chest pressure or pain

Brain Fog: Difficulty in focusing and amnesia

Unexplain enhancement: an increase in abdominal fat, which is a risk factor for heart disease

Shortness of breath and fatigue: Unly can indicate cardiovascular issues

Dr. Mahesh advised, “If you experience persistent symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, it is important to pay attention. Many women ignore these signs, assuming that they are just symptoms of menopause.”

Steps to reduce the risk of heart disease during menopause

Although menopause increases cardiovascular risks, lifestyle changes can help reduce these effects. Here are some experts-infanous strategies:

1. Keep a healthy weight

Reducing sugar, salt and saturated fat can help manage cholesterol and blood pressure levels.

Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein supports heart health.

2. Strengthen bone and heart health

Osteoporosis risk increases after menopause, which makes calcium and vitamin D intake.

Taking vitamin D supplement can improve both bone and heart health.

Limiting caffeine and alcohol can help reduce the symptoms of menopause.

3. Exercise regularly

The heart can be strengthened and metabolism can be strengthened by attaching to at least 150 minutes of medium exercise per week.

Activities like fast walking, swimming and yoga can increase heart fitness and mental welfare.

4. Manage stress and sleep disorders

Mood, stress and sleep disturbances can affect heart health.

Relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation and deep breathing exercises can help.

5. Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

Smoking and excessive alcohol intake increases the risk of heart diseases.

Quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of heart disease within a few years.

Menopause is an indispensable phase of life, but does not mean a decline in heart health. Dr. “There can be a long way to prevent changes in proactive lifestyle, regular check-ups, and subsequent menopause of heart diseases,” says Mahesh. Women should know about risks, identify symptoms quickly, and take necessary preventive measures to live a healthy life beyond menopause.

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