Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in both men and women globally. Women tend to develop heart disease later than men due to the protective effects of estrogen during their reproductive years. After menopause, women are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
“Estrogen provides a protective barrier against heart disease in women. However, after menopause, this protection is significantly reduced due to a sharp drop in estrogen levels, shifting the hormonal balance to a testosterone-dominant form. This hormonal change directly affects fat distribution, blood clotting and cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease,” said Dr. Haresh G Mehta, Director of Interventional Cardiology, SL Raheja Hospital (India).
The role of estrogen in cardiovascular health
Estrogen has a profound effect on heart health by maintaining beneficial cholesterol levels. It helps increase high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels while controlling low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol and triglycerides.
After menopause, the decrease in estrogen causes an increase in LDL and triglycerides, which can contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. This leads to accelerated plaque buildup and coronary artery calcification, further increasing the risk of heart disease.
Postmenopausal women face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, such as coronary artery disease and stroke, which is why regular cardiovascular risk assessments are important, says Dr Haresh G Mehta.
Track important health metrics
After menopause, women need to monitor important health indicators such as cholesterol levels, blood pressure, and blood sugar.
Postmenopausal women should undergo cardiovascular risk assessments, says Dr Haresh G Mehta. Based on the findings, additional tests such as stress testing, echocardiography or coronary artery calcium assessment may be required to further assess their cardiovascular health.
Maintaining heart health after menopause
Exercise regularly: Participating in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity each week has been shown to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.
Healthy Diet: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats is important for maintaining optimal heart health.
Stress management: A positive attitude and stress management techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises or yoga can improve overall health and heart health.
Quit smoking: If you smoke, quitting can significantly reduce your risk of heart disease.
Watch your weight: Maintaining a healthy weight is important to reduce stress on your heart and control other risk factors like diabetes and high blood pressure.
