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Why Menopause Increases Heart Attack Risk And 3 Major Body Changes Explained By Expert
- •Menopause brings significant hormonal changes in women, most notably a decrease in the hormone estrogen which affects heart health.
- •A drop in estrogen can reduce nitric oxide production, causing blood vessels to stiffen and leading to increased blood pressure.
- •Lower estrogen levels prevent the liver from effectively clearing harmful cholesterol, raising the risk of fat accumulation in arteries.
- •Visceral fat around the abdomen tends to increase after menopause, which can lead to insulin resistance and metabolic issues.
- •Heart health during and after menopause can be managed effectively through regular exercise, a balanced diet, and periodic medical checkups.
Key Questions Answered
The risk of cardiovascular disease rises during menopause primarily due to a significant decrease in the hormone estrogen. This reduction affects blood pressure, causes changes in cholesterol, and leads to an accumulation of visceral fat around the abdomen, which can harden blood vessels and increase heart disease risks.
A decrease in estrogen during menopause leads to lower production of nitric oxide in blood vessels, which normally helps keep them relaxed. Without enough nitric oxide, blood vessels can become stiffer than before, causing blood pressure to rise.
To protect heart health, women can engage in regular walks or exercise, maintain a balanced diet, get adequate sleep, manage stress, and keep their weight in a healthy range. Additionally, periodic checks for blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol are recommended.
