Welcome to Northern Heart Hospital’s blog! Today we are discussing heart diseases among women after experiencing menopause and how we can help provide better support for them.
Cardiovascular diseases in women are commonly diagnosed later in life compared to men thanks to the protection provided by the reproductive phase of their life. Oestrogen produced by the ovaries is responsible for various bodily functions – puberty, menstrual cycle, pregnancy, bone strength, and many more. Upon entering menopause, the amount of oestrogen drops significantly.
Did you know that while generally, menopause affects women between the ages of 45 and 55, it can occur earlier in some women? Hence, increasing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. This is where Northern Heart Hospital, the best heart hospital in Penang comes in!
How does menopause affect your heart health?
Whether it occurs naturally with age, or due to certain medical conditions including the removal of the ovaries (oophorectomy) or the uterus (hysterectomy), cancer treatments, or a genetic reason, menopause causes various changes to your body.
A woman experiencing menopause will notice weight gain, particularly around the waistline and the body cannot control its sugar levels which also increases the risk of diabetes and high blood pressure.
Meanwhile, high cholesterol and fat around the heart cause the arteries to become narrower, forcing your heart to work extra hard at the risk of a heart attack or a stroke.
Are menopause symptoms similar to a heart condition?
Some women experience more apparent menopausal symptoms compared to others. Some symptoms may start during pre-menopause, and some may last longer after menopause. Such physical changes tend to cause concerns as they are also similar to those of a heart condition or even dementia.
Ladies, please check if you notice any of these!
- Heart palpitations or change of pace in your heartbeat – this is very common among women experiencing menopause
- Pains and aches around the chest area, including the tightening sensation
- Difficulties in staying focused or remembering certain details, something like a brain fog
Before you start worrying, please remember that these symptoms are highly likely triggered by rapid changes in hormone levels.
In a heart attack, chest pain or discomfort that occurs does not go away quickly. You may feel something akin to pressure or tightening in your chest. It may also appear to you like indigestion or heartburn.
When you start feeling sick, you may also experience sweating, light-headedness, and/or shortness of breath. In some cases, menopausal women may feel anxiety or start coughing or wheezing due to fluid build-up in the lungs.
Naturally, when you start feeling a pain that spreads to your left or right arm, neck, jaw, back, or stomach, that is a clearer indicator that you are experiencing a heart condition and require immediate medical attention.
What can you do to improve your heart health post-menopause?
As the best cardiologist hospital in Penang, naturally we recommend you schedule your heart check-ups accordingly for a thorough diagnosis. At the same time, we advise you to continue leading a healthy lifestyle to reduce heart condition risks.
The rules of thumb to follow are:
- Increase your protein and fibre, reduce your sugar, oils and processed foods
- Increase your physical activities, reduce your stresses
- Increase your water intake, reduce your alcohol
- Smoking? Cut it entirely as this is a major risk factor for heart disease!
Can hormone replacement therapy help manage your menopause and heart health?
Before you make any drastic decisions or lifestyle changes, again, we recommend contacting Northern Heart Hospital first so our panel of heart specialists can give you the most effective professional consultation, including advice on your hormone replacement therapy (HRT). Symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings can be managed better as HRT replaces the hormones that your body needs including oestrogen.
There has been evidence to support that HRT functions in restoring bodily functions including helping to protect your heart. Cardiologists also suggest that HRT should be started within 10 years of menopause and before the age of 60.
Also be mindful that some types of HRT can slightly increase your cholesterol levels which will also increase the risk of blood clots and a stroke. However, experts assure that the risk is low for women under 60.
In Malaysia, your HRT options come in the form of pills, the patch, cream or gel. The Health Ministry of Malaysia recommends HRT for women in general unless it is contraindicated to help menopausal women relieve their symptoms and lead happier lives in their golden years.
The most important element to weigh when entering menopause and considering HRT is to speak to your doctor. Your doctor will be able to determine whether HRT is right for you.
Find out if Northern Heart Hospital Penang is accessible to you HERE.
For more information on heart check-ups and treatments, please call +604 217 5588 or schedule an appointment via this form.
References:
- NHS UK
- National Library of Medicine
- British Heart Foundation
- Mayo Clinic
- MyHealth