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| Dr. Enrique Jacome |
As we age, our risks for various medical issues rises. During menopause certain risks can increase for women when it comes to cardiac health and disease. As with anything else, some of it’s the old “nature versus nurture” scenario. Bad habits that you have nurtured through the years (poor diet, lack of exercise, smoking, excessive alcohol, and other known risks) can take their toll. Some families have a history or are at a heightened risk of cardiac problems. Menopause itself does not cause cardiovascular disease.
Dr. Nieca Goldberg, a cardiologist and an American Heart Association volunteer states.“Menopause isn’t a disease. It’s a natural phase of a woman’s life cycle,” Dr. Goldberg said. “It’s important for women, as they approach menopause, to really take stock of their health.”
Per the American Heart Association about 35,000 under the age of 50 will have a heart attack each year. Heart disease is the leading killer of women. It is suggested that there is a connection between the estrogen and the decline during menopause and the health of the heart and blood flow. Other contributing bodily changes happen during menopause which put your heart at risk:
- Increase in blood pressure
- Bad cholesterol goes up and the good cholesterol goes down
- Certain types of fats called triglycerides in the blood increase
How can women deal with the changes and protect themselves from heart disease during menopause?
- Reduce or eliminate bad health habits.
- Eat well – fresh fruit is highly recommended
- Exercise – aerobics or activities that are low resistance
- Check your hormonal levels
