Menopause is a time of significant change in the life of a woman. As the body gradually stops the production of reproductive hormones, a woman will eventually stop having her period. This is a natural process that typically occurs at some point in a woman’s 40s or 50s.
Many of the potential side effects of menopause are relatively well-known and are not a surprise when they come along. For instance, you may already know that hot flashes are a common experience for women going through menopause. Other potential issues include problems sleeping at night, weight gain, thinning hair, mood changes, and more. The exact experience will vary significantly from woman to woman, of course, but these side effects are frequently seen.
Another Potential Issue
For the most part, the problems listed in the previous paragraph will not be particularly serious. Sure, they can be annoying – nobody likes having trouble sleeping or unexplained mood swings – but those side effects will come and go. Something far more serious could be a threat for women in menopause, however, and that is heart disease. Specifically, women who have entered menopause before the age of 50 would be wise to speak with a cardiologist about their situation.
A Complicated Time
Around the time most women are entering menopause, they are also reaching an age where the likelihood of heart disease starts to increase. That is particularly true if the woman has engaged in various unhealthy habits over the years. For instance, eating a poor diet or smoking can increase the risk of heart disease, and those risks continue to advance as time passes. So, for some women, signs of menopause and signs of heart disease may begin to appear around the same time, even if they aren’t related.
Unfortunately, heart disease is not uncommon in women, as it affects more than 30% of females. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death for both genders, with nearly a quarter of all deaths in the United States being attributed to heart disease. To be sure, whether a woman is entering menopause or not, this is a health issue that everyone should carefully monitor. Taking seemingly small steps on a day to day basis, like eating a healthy diet and getting regular exercise, can go a long way toward putting you in a good position for the battle against heart disease as the years go by.
An Unclear Picture
The exact relationship between menopause and the risk of cardiovascular disease is not known at this time. There are many changes going on in a woman’s body during menopause, so it’s likely that those changes play some sort of role – but the whole picture has not been brought into focus just yet.
One possible issue is the decline of estrogen production in the female body when menopause arrives. It is thought that estrogen can help the inner layer of artery walls, providing flexibility to blood vessels. When that estrogen production declines, the arteries may no longer be receiving that benefit, and it’s possible that heart disease will follow. So, in this way, menopause isn’t directly causing the heart disease, but rather it is allowing it to be exposed as the benefit of estrogen is lost.
Another possible factor is the increase in blood pressure that can sometimes accompany menopause. High blood pressure is associated with heart disease, so this is yet another reason to visit a cardiologist if you are experiencing early menopause. A cardiologist will be able to evaluate your various heart health markers in order to create a plan for moving forward. By being proactive about your heart health at this stage in your life, you will hopefully be able to avoid any significant events and stay on track for a long and healthy life.
Put Time on Your Side
Paying a visit to your cardiologist is one of those things in life that is easy to put off while you are busy with other stuff. While menopause may have started, you could feel good otherwise and not see the need to make time for a cardiologist appointment. But here’s the thing – it’s always better to act too early than too late. Knowing that early menopause can increase your risk of heart disease, why not make an appointment and get checked out? Hopefully, the visit will show that you are in good health with regard to your heart, and you can move on with confidence. Or, if something is found that gives the doctor cause for concern, you can make a treatment plan and address the issue right away. Modern medicine is incredible in its ability to solve problems and help patients stay healthy as they age, but it can only work if you come in and get the process started.
Give us a Call Today
To work with a friendly and experienced cardiologist for all of your heart-related health needs, contact Beverly Hills Cardiovascular right away. With Dr. David Filsoof leading the way, our practice would be proud to serve you. We offer a long list of important services, including electrocardiogram, CT coronary angiogram, cardiac catheterization, and more. Get in touch right away to learn more!
