Heart Health Month: 4 Silent Signs Your Heart Needs Attention During Menopause - Emsee

For many women, menopause brings expected symptoms like hot flushes and mood changes, but what’s often overlooked is its significant impact on heart health. As oestrogen levels decline during menopause, women face unique cardiovascular challenges that deserve special attention. Understanding these changes and recognising early warning signs can make a crucial difference in protecting your heart health during this transition. 

The Connection Between Menopause and Heart Health 

The relationship between menopause and cardiovascular health is complex, primarily due to changing hormone levels. Research published in the Journal of the American Heart Association demonstrates that oestrogen plays a protective role in cardiovascular health, helping to maintain flexible blood vessels and manage cholesterol levels【Rosano et al., 2021】. During menopause, the decline in oestrogen can lead to increased cardiovascular risks, making this life stage a critical time for heart health awareness. 

4 Silent Signs Your Heart Needs Attention 

While some heart symptoms are obvious, others can be subtle or easily mistaken for general menopause symptoms. Common warning signs include: 

1. Unusual fatigue and decreased exercise tolerance: What might feel like typical menopause-related tiredness could signal reduced heart function, particularly if it occurs during activities that were previously manageable. 

2. Irregular heartbeat or palpitations: While sometimes attributed to hormonal changes, persistent heart rhythm irregularities warrant medical attention, especially when accompanied by dizziness or shortness of breath. 

3. Sleep disturbances beyond typical night sweats: Poor sleep quality and sleep apnoea during menopause can significantly impact heart health, as demonstrated in research from the Sleep Health Foundation【El Khoudary et al., 2020】. 

4. Unexplained anxiety or shortness of breath: These symptoms might be dismissed as anxiety or stress but could indicate underlying cardiovascular issues requiring assessment. 

Hormone-Related Heart Changes During Menopause 

Understanding how hormonal changes affect your heart can help you better manage your health during this transition. Research from the Women’s Health Initiative has identified several key changes that occur: 

1. Blood Pressure Changes 

The decline in oestrogen can lead to stiffer blood vessels, potentially causing increased blood pressure. A study in Hypertension showed that women are more likely to develop high blood pressure during and after menopause【Newson, 2018】. 

2. Cholesterol Profile Shifts 

Menopause often brings changes to cholesterol levels, with many women experiencing increases in LDL (bad) cholesterol and decreases in HDL (good) cholesterol. This shift can increase the risk of atherosclerosis and heart disease. 

3. Blood Sugar Management 

Hormonal changes during menopause can affect insulin sensitivity, potentially leading to increased blood sugar levels and associated cardiovascular risks. 

Risk Factors Unique to Women 

Several factors make women’s heart health during menopause particularly vulnerable: 

• Earlier onset of menopause (before age 45) has been associated with increased cardiovascular risk, according to research in the European Heart Journal【Muka et al., 2016】. 

• Women with a history of pregnancy complications may face higher cardiovascular risks during menopause. 

• The combination of age-related and hormone-related changes creates a unique risk profile requiring specific attention and management strategies. 

Preventive Measures and Lifestyle Modifications 

Taking proactive steps to protect your heart health during menopause is crucial. Evidence-based strategies include: 

1. Regular Physical Activity 

Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly has been shown to significantly reduce cardiovascular risk. A study in the British Journal of Sports Medicine demonstrates that regular exercise can help counteract menopause-related cardiovascular changes【Aragão et al., 2021】. 

2. Heart-Healthy Diet 

Following a Mediterranean-style diet rich in whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can support heart health during menopause. Research indicates this dietary pattern can help manage weight, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels. 

3. Stress Management 

Chronic stress can exacerbate cardiovascular risks. Implementing stress-reduction techniques such as mindfulness meditation or yoga can help protect heart health, as shown in studies published in the Journal of Clinical Medicine. 

When to See a Doctor 

Certain signs should prompt immediate medical attention: 

• Chest pain or pressure, particularly during physical activity 

• Persistent heart palpitations or irregular heartbeat 

• Unexplained shortness of breath 

• Dizziness or fainting spells 

• Significant changes in exercise tolerance 

Conclusion 

The menopausal transition presents both challenges and opportunities for heart health management. By understanding the signs, recognising risk factors, and taking proactive steps, women can protect their cardiovascular health during this important life stage. Remember, early intervention and consistent preventive measures are key to maintaining heart health through menopause and beyond. 

How Emsee Can Help 

Concerned about your heart health during menopause and want some personalised advice?  
 
Book a consultation with one of our experienced healthcare providers today, with the first consultation with a doctor being gap free bulk-billable which means no out of pocket cost to you. To do this, call 1300 415 414 or fill out our online contact form.   

Alternatively, answer a few questions about your health and lifestyle to get a free assessment report on your situation and discover if Emsee is the perfect match for you. 

References 

1. Rosano, G. M., et al. (2021). “Cardiovascular disease in women: A contemporary review.” Journal of the American Heart Association, 10(21), e023131. 

2. El Khoudary, S. R., et al. (2020). “Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention: A Scientific Statement From the American Heart Association.” Circulation, 142(25), e506-e532. 

3. Newson, L. (2018). “Menopause and cardiovascular disease.” Post Reproductive Health, 24(1), 44-49. 

4. Muka, T., et al. (2016). “Association of Age at Onset of Menopause and Time Since Onset of Menopause With Cardiovascular Outcomes, Intermediate Vascular Traits, and All-Cause Mortality: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis.” JAMA Cardiology, 1(7), 767-776. 

5. Aragão, F., et al. (2021). “Physical Exercise for the Treatment of Non-Ulcerated Chronic Venous Insufficiency.” Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2021(12). 

This article is intended for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Please consult with a healthcare provider for any specific symptoms or issues you might be experiencing.