Menopause brings significant hormonal shifts, most notably the decline in oestrogen, which can impact heart health. This drop in oestrogen not only leads to symptoms like hot flushes and sleep disturbances but also affects blood vessels, cholesterol levels, heart rate, blood pressure, inflammation, and metabolism, all of which can increase the risk of cardiovascular problems.

Oestrogen plays a key protective role in the cardiovascular system. As it decreases, the risk of heart disease rises. Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which includes disorders of the heart and blood vessels, is the leading cause of death among women. In 2021, around 20% of female deaths were due to CVD. However, only 56% of women recognise heart disease as their primary health risk, a danger that increases during menopause.

The Link Between Menopause and Heart Health

To understand why heart disease risk increases during menopause, it’s important to recognise the role oestrogen plays. Oestrogen keeps blood vessels flexible, ensuring smooth blood flow and stable blood pressure. It also has anti-inflammatory effects that help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, a key contributor to heart disease.

When oestrogen levels drop, these protective benefits are lost. Blood vessels may become stiffer, leading to higher blood pressure and faster plaque accumulation—all of which heighten the risk of heart disease. Menopause can also lead to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, further raising cardiovascular risk.

Common Heart Health Issues During Menopause

Several heart-related issues are more common around menopause:

High Blood Pressure: As oestrogen levels decline, blood vessels become less flexible, increasing blood pressure and straining the heart and arteries over time.

High Cholesterol: Hormonal changes during menopause can lead to an increase in LDL (bad) cholesterol and a decrease in HDL (good) cholesterol, raising the risk of plaque buildup in arteries and heart disease.

Insulin Resistance and Diabetes: Menopause increases the risk of insulin resistance, leading to higher blood sugar levels and a greater chance of developing type 2 diabetes.

Weight Gain: Weight gain, particularly around the abdomen, is common during menopause and contributes to cardiovascular risk.

Heart Palpitations: Hormonal fluctuations can cause heart palpitations or irregular heart rhythms, which may be linked to heart disease.

Chronic Inflammation: Declining oestrogen can worsen chronic inflammation, contributing to blood vessel damage and plaque buildup.

Metabolic Syndrome: More common during menopause, this includes risk factors like abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure, and elevated blood sugar—all of which raise the risk of heart disease.

Recognising Symptoms of Heart Disease

Heart disease symptoms in women, especially during and after menopause, can differ from the classic signs. While chest pain is a common symptom, women may experience more subtle indicators such as:

• Nausea or vomiting
• Upper back pain
• Discomfort in the neck, jaw, or abdomen
• Persistent fatigue
• Shortness of breath
• Dizziness or light-headedness

Recognising these symptoms early and seeking medical attention promptly is crucial for effective management of heart health.

Managing Heart Health During Menopause

Although menopause increases heart disease risk, there are many ways to mitigate it. Maintaining a healthy weight is one important step. Abdominal fat is more metabolically active and increases inflammation and insulin resistance, which are major contributors to heart disease. A well-balanced diet and regular physical activity can help manage weight and support heart health.

Diet: A meal plan rich in protein, antioxidants, and fibre can help stabilise blood sugar, reduce cravings, and protect blood vessels. Fibre promotes satiety and helps reduce excess hormones and cholesterol.

Exercise: Resistance training is key to maintaining muscle mass, improving circulation, and supporting healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Even simple activities like walking after meals can promote digestion and aid weight management.

Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol: Both

Thanks for reading!

Louise x

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