Protect your heart during menopause: Understanding cardiovascular disease!
Health2024-03-29
6 Mins Read
As per statistics from the Department of Health, cardiovascular disease ranks third among the most common fatal diseases in Hong Kong. Yet, as women transition into menopause, they often prioritise their mental and emotional well-being, overlooking the looming threat of cardiovascular diseases. According to the World Health Organisation's ‘Top Ten Causes of Death in Women Over 40,’ cardiovascular disease takes the top spot, claiming more lives than any other ailment. Shockingly, women are twice as likely to succumb to cardiovascular disease as cancer, accounting for a staggering 25% of all deaths! Therefore, to navigate menopause smoothly, it's imperative to take proactive measures to prevent cardiovascular diseases.
Understanding cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease encompasses a range of conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, impeding blood circulation and oxygen delivery to various body parts. Atherosclerosis, the accumulation of fat, cholesterol, and other substances in artery walls, often underpins cardiovascular disease, leading to plaque formation. Over time, these plaques can grow, obstructing or limiting blood flow to the heart and organs, resulting in a variety of cardiovascular ailments.
Common cardiovascular diseases
- Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Atherosclerosis in coronary arteries causes myocardial ischemia, potentially leading to angina or myocardial infarction.
- Stroke: Interruption of blood supply to the brain due to vessel obstruction or rupture results in brain tissue ischemia or necrosis.
- Heart Failure: Inadequate blood pumping by the heart leads to decreased heart function, manifesting as fatigue and breathlessness.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heart rhythms, too fast or too slow, hampering effective blood pumping.
- Valvular Heart Disease: Valve damage or abnormalities disrupt blood flow, potentially causing arrhythmias, heart failure, and related issues.
Symptoms of cardiovascular disease
- Heart palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeat.
- Dyspnea: Labored breathing, often accompanied by rapid, irregular breaths.
- Cyanosis: Bluish-purple skin or mucous membranes.
- Dizziness: Sensation of environmental movement, accompanied by nausea, vomiting, paleness, etc.
- Syncope: Brief loss of consciousness.
Risk factors for cardiovascular disease
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Sedentary lifestyle
- High-stress levels
- Age and family medical history, among others.
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Why are women more vulnerable to cardiovascular disease after menopause?
Recent data highlights that menopausal women are more prone to cardiovascular diseases. Statistics suggest that women aged 46 to 55 entering menopause are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure and diabetes than those aged 40 to 45. The American and European Heart Associations attribute this to declining ovarian function post-menopause.
Female hormones, like estrogen, play a crucial role in maintaining blood vessel elasticity, reducing hardening and blockages, and increasing ‘good cholesterol’ levels, thereby lowering cardiovascular disease risk. However, menopause leads to decreased ovarian function and estrogen secretion. Without hormonal protection, women experience increased visceral fat deposition, elevating the risk of ‘three-highs’, metabolic syndrome, etc. Moreover, women typically have smaller blood vessels, heightening the risk of vascular blockages compared to men.
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Five tips to prevent cardiovascular disease during menopause
Successfully navigating menopause entails combating cardiovascular disease risk alongside emotional challenges. Here are five strategies to safeguard heart health during this phase:
Adapt your diet:
As our metabolism naturally slows down, sticking to the same eating habits as our youth can unknowingly lead to fat buildup and cholesterol elevation. It's crucial to adjust our diet after entering menopause. Increase the consumption of natural ingredients, including fiber-rich vegetables and fruits, along with Omega-3 fatty acid-rich fish. Conversely, reduce intake of saturated and trans fats, and steer clear of high-sugar and high-sodium foods. Maintaining a healthy weight and cholesterol level is essential. Incorporating more fish, nuts, vegetables, and fruits can also contribute to maintaining heart health.
Stay active:
Regular exercise is key to maintaining cardiovascular health. Aim for at least 150 minutes of aerobic exercise weekly, such as brisk walking, swimming, jogging, or yoga. This regimen strengthens heart function, lowers blood pressure, aids in weight management, and alleviates strain on the heart.
Quit smoking:
Quitting smoking is paramount for cardiovascular health. Nicotine in tobacco can wreak havoc on the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of arteriosclerosis and hypertension. Ditching the habit improves blood vessel health, significantly reducing the risk of heart disease, and stroke, and enhancing overall immunity.
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Prioritise relaxation:
Mental well-being is intricately linked to heart health. Menopause often brings mood swings and stress, which can negatively impact the heart. Incorporate relaxation techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or yoga into your daily routine. Additionally, engaging in activities like reading, traveling, exercising, and spending time with loved ones can help alleviate stress and promote calmness.
Regular check-ups:
Routine physical examinations are vital for early detection and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Regularly monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels to identify potential risks promptly. Early intervention and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing cardiovascular issues.
Tailored for women experiencing menopause, AXA’s ‘Better She’ Programme offers comprehensive gynecological health assessments and consultations with gynecological and mental health experts. With adequate support, women can navigate menopause with greater ease, achieving a healthy balance physically and emotionally during this transformative life stage.
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5. 啟新診所，《40歲以上女性 No1死因是心血管疾病！ WHO呼籲 關心媽媽的護心》（Chinese only）
6. 中時新聞網，《女性更年期後心血管疾病風險增 醫5招遠離威脅》(Chinese only)
7. hello醫師，《女人40一枝花！7撇步照顧身體健康》(Chinese only)
The above content is reviewed by Dr Alexander Chiu - Chief Medical Officer of AXA Hong Kong and Macau.
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Information and materials provided is general in nature and does not constitute medical or health advice from AXA Hong Kong and is on an “as is” and “as-available” basis without representation and/or warranty of any kind, either express or implied. While AXA Hong Kong has taken reasonable care in providing such information and materials, they are not specific to your investment objective, financial situation, health or medical conditions or particular needs. No warranty or responsibility is assumed by AXA Hong Kong and our related or holding companies regarding non-infringement, security, accuracy, completeness, adequacy, reasonableness, fitness for a purpose or free from computer viruses in connection with the information and materials provided. AXA Hong Kong and our related companies and holding companies do not accept any liability for any loss, damage, cost or other expense, whether wholly or partially, directly or indirectly, arising from any error, inaccuracy or omission of the information and materials to the extent that such liability is not excluded by law.
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