• Source:JND
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Menopause marks a significant transition in a woman’s life, bringing various physiological changes, including an increased risk of heart disease. While heart attacks are often associated with men, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, with the risk rising significantly after menopause. In a conversation with Jagran English, Dr. Aravind Badiger, Technical Director at BDR Pharmaceuticals, discussed Menopause and Heart Attack Risk: What Every Woman Should Know.

Why Does Heart Attack Risk Increase After Menopause?

  1. Decline in Estrogen Levels: Estrogen plays a crucial role in maintaining healthy blood vessels by promoting flexibility and reducing inflammation. As estrogen levels drop during menopause, arteries become stiffer, leading to high blood pressure and an increased risk of blockages.
  2. Increase In LDL ("Bad" Cholesterol): Menopause is often accompanied by unfavorable changes in cholesterol levels. Low-density lipoprotein (LDL), or "bad" cholesterol, tends to rise, while high-density lipoprotein (HDL), or "good" cholesterol, may decrease. This imbalance contributes to plaque buildup in arteries, heightening the risk of heart attacks.
  3. Changes In Body Fat Distribution: After menopause, many women experience weight gain, particularly around the abdomen. This "visceral fat" is linked to insulin resistance, diabetes, and high blood pressure—all of which contribute to heart disease.
  4. Increased Blood Pressure: Postmenopausal women often experience elevated blood pressure, a key risk factor for heart attacks. The reduction in estrogen, combined with age-related stiffening of arteries, can lead to hypertension.
  5. Higher Risk of Diabetes: Hormonal changes during menopause may also affect insulin sensitivity, increasing the likelihood of developing type 2 diabetes—a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Prevention And Management

To reduce the risk of heart disease, women going through menopause should adopt heart-healthy habits, including:

  1. Regular Exercise: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week helps improve heart health.
  2. Balanced Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help manage cholesterol and blood pressure.
  3. Routine Health Check-ups: Regular screening for cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels is essential for early detection and prevention.
  4. Stress Management: Practicing mindfulness, yoga, or other relaxation techniques can help lower stress levels, reducing the risk of heart disease.

Pharmaceutical Perspective

Dr. Aravind Badiger emphasized that the pharmaceutical industry plays a crucial role in managing heart health post-menopause. Cholesterol-lowering medications (statins), blood pressure medications, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are commonly prescribed to mitigate risks. While HRT has been debated for its cardiovascular effects, certain formulations may provide heart benefits under medical supervision. Additionally, newer cardiovascular drugs and preventive therapies continue to evolve, offering better protection against heart disease for postmenopausal women.

Menopause is an inevitable stage of life, but with the right awareness and proactive health measures, women can significantly lower their risk of heart attacks and lead healthier lives.