Women’s Health: Low estrogen levels may increase heart attack risk in women ages 45-55

Heart attack in women: Research has shown an association between heart disease with menopause. Hormonal changes occur during menopause, the ovaries gradually stop producing estrogen.

Dr Rocky Katheria, Consultant – Interventional Cardiology, Manipal Hospital, in an exclusive chat with Zee English shares more about women’s heart health and how hormonal changes can affect your heart.

While it is true that declining estrogen levels during menopause can have an impact on heart health in women, it is important to note that the relationship between estrogen and heart disease is complex, and has many factors.

Estrogen has been shown to have some beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system, such as promoting healthy blood vessel function and reducing inflammation. It is thought that estrogen helps maintain the flexibility and integrity of blood vessels, which may contribute to a lower risk of heart disease.

This increases the risk of narrowing of the coronary arteries, while it previously protects the lining of the artery walls and reduces plaque build-up. It increases your risk of developing coronary artery disease or stroke.

Evidence has shown that menopausal transition is associated with a higher prevalence of CVD risk factors, such as central adiposity, atherogenic dyslipidemia, glucose intolerance, arterial hypertension and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), compared to premenopausal status.

Does estrogen replacement help reduce cardiac risk?

While hormone replacement therapy may help some women manage their menopausal symptoms, there is no evidence that it helps reduce the risk of heart disease. However, it increases the risks like blood clots and stroke.

How to reduce the risk of heart disease in the postmenopausal stage?

Leading a healthy lifestyle and incorporating the following tips into your daily life can help you reduce your risk. Other factors such as genetics, lifestyle choices (including diet, exercise, smoking, etc.), pre-existing medical conditions (such as high blood pressure or diabetes), and overall health status can also affect the risk of heart disease in women.

avoid or quit smoking

Smokers have twice (or more) the risk of heart attack than nonsmokers. Also stay away from second hand smoking.

maintain a healthy body weight

The more you exceed your ideal weight, the harder your heart has to work to deliver nutrients to your body.

Exercise

150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic exercise or a combination of both is recommended. Check with your doctor if you have been inactive before increasing your activity level.

eat well

follow a diet low in saturated fat; low in trans fat; and high-fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as beans and peas), fruits, vegetables, fish, and folate-rich foods.

Get screened and treated for medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure.

Hence, it is always recommended to consult health professionals or experts in the field to get accurate and personalized information regarding your specific health concerns. They can provide you with the most up-to-date and evidence-based insights about menopause, estrogen levels, and heart health.