As women transition through menopause, the risk of heart attacks significantly increases, warns Dr. Anand R Shenoy, a consultant in interventional cardiology at Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road. The decline in estrogen levels post-menopause is a major contributing factor, as this hormone plays a crucial role in maintaining heart health.
Dr. Shenoy explains,
“Estrogen helps keep blood vessels relaxed, increases blood flow, and lowers bad cholesterol levels. As estrogen levels fall dramatically, blood pressure rises, cholesterol levels shift, and fat increases around the heart, all of which lead to a greater risk of heart attack. Menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats have been associated with cardiac disease.”
Understanding the Risks
Heart attacks in women can often be stealthy and tricky, leading to underdiagnosis and delayed treatment. Dr. Shenoy points out that women generally have a lower perception of the risks, which is concerning as the symptoms can differ from traditional signs and may overlap with other health conditions.
To combat this, Dr. Shenoy advises that women should be proactive in monitoring their heart health.
“To help avoid cardiovascular event possibilities, women should track their blood pressure weekly; participate in annual comprehensive cardiac screenings; recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack; and follow advice with proactive lifestyle changes. Tracking of signs and symptoms can provide early intervention and heart attack prevention during these vulnerable periods.”
Recognizing the Warning Signs
For menopausal women, being aware of the red-flag signs of a heart attack is crucial. Dr. Shenoy outlines five key symptoms to watch for:
- Chest pain or discomfort: Instead of the regular crushing pain, women may experience atypical chest discomfort along with pain in the back, neck, jaw, or arms.
- Shortness of breath: Breathing difficulty during light physical activity.
- Palpitations: Irregular heartbeats or the feeling of skipped heartbeats.
- Dizziness or light-headedness: Feeling faint and unsteady.
- Fatigue: Unusual tiredness or weakness.
Prevention and Management Tips
Dr. Shenoy emphasizes the importance of lifestyle changes to reduce heart attack risks during menopause. Here are his top five recommendations:
- Exercise: Aim for an ideal body weight with a BMI of less than 25. Engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity weekly, or 75 minutes of vigorous activity.
- Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein. Minimize intake of saturated fats, sugars, and sodium.
- Stress Management: Use techniques such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing to relieve stress.
- Sleep: Ensure good quality sleep, ideally 7-8 hours each night, to manage stress and support cardiovascular health.
- Quit Smoking: Ceasing smoking reduces the risk of heart disease and improves overall health.
Dr. Shenoy underscores that these strategies are crucial for both peri and post-menopausal women.
“To decrease the risk of heart disease during menopause, all peri and post-menopausal women should be assessed for risk factors and educated on heart-healthy lifestyle interventions to attempt to have optimum cardiovascular health.”
Understanding Menopause Stages
For those unfamiliar, post-menopause is defined as the period when a woman hasn’t had any menstrual cycles for 12 consecutive months. Perimenopause, on the other hand, is the transitional stage leading up to menopause, characterized by symptoms like hot flashes and irregular periods. This phase can last several years, typically occurring in a woman’s late 30s to mid-40s.
According to a report by the Cleveland Clinic, perimenopause can begin up to 10 years before menopause, with the average duration ranging from four to eight years. This highlights the importance of adopting heart-healthy habits early and seeking medical attention if any concerning signs appear.
The insights provided by Dr. Shenoy serve as a crucial reminder for women to prioritize heart health, particularly during the menopausal transition. By recognizing warning signs and implementing preventative measures, women can significantly reduce their risk of heart attacks and maintain overall well-being.
