Menopause and Heart Health: with Dr Nisha Parikh

Menopause brings changes that can affect heart health. Here's a quick guide on what happens and how to keep your heart in check.

"Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the US, not just for men, but also for women."

How Menopause Affects the Heart

Menopause usually hits between 50 and 55, a time when heart disease risk starts climbing. Hormonal shifts can lead to high blood pressure, cholesterol issues, and insulin resistance, upping the chances of heart problems.

"Menopause is important for a couple of reasons. One is that menopause tends to happen at later ages in women... and that's about the time when we see a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease go up a little bit."

Symptoms to Watch

Women might experience chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, and fatigue more than men. These symptoms shouldn't be ignored, as heart disease is a top health threat.

"Menopause itself accelerates risk. The hormonal changes accelerate the development of the risk factors."

Microvascular Disease

This condition affects small heart vessels and is more common in women. It can cause chest pain without major artery blockages. New imaging techniques are helping doctors diagnose and treat it better.

Breast Arterial Calcification

"Breast arterial calcification is basically something that can be picked up easily by a radiologist on a regular screening mammogram for breast cancer."

Found during mammograms, this can signal higher heart disease risk. It's worth discussing with your doctor for further checks.

Keeping Your Heart Healthy

Exercise is key—aim for at least 150 minutes a week. More is even better. Mix up aerobic and strength exercises to get the most benefit.

Pregnancy Clues

"Pregnancy is a window to later cardiovascular risk. It's almost like this crystal ball that lets us look into the future for a woman's risk of heart disease."

Complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes during pregnancy can hint at future heart risks. Addressing these early with lifestyle changes can help.

Takeaway

Stay on top of heart health during menopause. Don't wait to see a doctor if you notice symptoms. Regular check-ups and open talks with your healthcare provider can make a big difference.