How is heart disease related to menopause?

Many women think that the risk of heart disease is more common in men, but that is not the case. During perimenopause and after age 50, nearly half of all deaths in women are due to some form of cardiovascular disease. So how are heart disease and menopause related?

The female hormone estrogen not only creates female characteristics, but also affects many other parts, including protecting the cardiovascular system. Estrogen is a natural vascular protector, regulates the transport of calcium ions into cells, and prevents atherosclerosis by fighting the oxidation of bad cholesterol. In addition, this hormone also prevents the formation of blood clots, reduces the tension of the smooth muscle of the vessel wall, helps to dilate blood vessels and increase coronary artery flow, thereby combating high blood pressure. Therefore, when estrogen levels decline during perimenopause and menopause, women are at risk of cardiovascular problems.
In which, coronary heart disease is one of the leading causes of death, accounting for more than 45%. The decrease in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause increases blood vessel pressure and elasticity, leading to increased peripheral resistance, affecting blood supply to vital organs, such as heart and brain.

In particular, estrogen decline in perimenopause and menopause also affects cholesterol regulation, increasing triglyceride and bad cholesterol levels, and significantly reducing HDL-c (good cholesterol). Thereby, increasing the incidence of cardiovascular problems, including atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, blood clots, high blood pressure...
Estrogen levels are highest during puberty and during pregnancy, from 30 age onward declines sharply. At a rate of 15% reduction every 10 years, 55-year-old women have only 10% of female hormones compared to when they were younger. When you reach the age of 50, the natural phase of menopause, the risk of heart disease also increases significantly. According to statistics, the rate of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women is 2-4 times higher than in women of the same age but not yet menopause. In young women who had an early menopause or had undergone ovarian surgery, as well as those who did not take supplemental estrogen, the risk of heart disease was also higher. The risk of heart disease is increased if a postmenopausal woman also has the following factors:
Diabetes Smoking High blood pressure High LDL (low-density lipoprotein) or "bad" cholesterol Low HDL (high-density lipoprotein) ) or "good" cholesterol Obesity Sedentary Family history of heart disease

The results of many studies show that early menopause is an important factor in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Surprisingly, this condition has also been reported in women taking hormone therapy.
Women who are over 60 years old or have been in menopause for more than 10 years may have an increased risk of heart attack if they take hormone replacement therapy . Specifically, evidence was found that combined estrogen-progestin therapy (EPT) increases the rate of cardiovascular events in women aged 50-79 years.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and its risks Heart-related risks have been the subject of many studies. In addition to the risks mentioned, there is also evidence for certain benefits, depending on your age.
Specifically, those who are suitable for this therapy include:
Women who have been menopausal for less than 10 years and are not at risk of a heart attack before starting HRT People between the ages of 50 and 59 Younger women There is also no risk, even the risk of heart disease is reduced. This suggests that hormone therapy is more beneficial in younger women. For many people, the benefits of hormone therapy for improved menopausal symptoms, improved quality of life, and other health benefits outweigh the risk factors. Patients should consult a well-informed physician to see if this approach is right for them. So, although the results of some studies have raised concerns, there is no need to stop using hormone therapy. This is still a suitable indication, bringing a lot of benefits to menopausal women.

In the long run, a healthy lifestyle will help prevent heart disease in women. To reduce your risk of heart disease during and after menopause, you should incorporate the following tips into your daily life:
Avoid or quit smoking Smokers are twice as likely to have a heart attack as those who don't smoke. In addition to quitting smoking, you also need to stay away from secondhand smoke. Such passive smoking also increases the risk of heart disease.
Maintain a reasonable body weight The more the body exceeds the ideal weight, the harder the heart has to work to provide nutrients. Research has shown that being overweight contributes to heart disease.
Exercise throughout the week Like all other muscles, the heart needs to work to stay strong. Regular movement or exercise (at least 150 minutes per week) improves how well the heart pumps blood through the body, while also helping to reduce many other risk factors. Such as lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol, managing stress, losing weight and improving blood sugar. Note that before starting any exercise program, consult your doctor if you are sedentary or sedentary.

Healthy nutrition Follow a diet low in saturated fat and low in trans fats (partially hydrogenated fats). Eat plenty of fiber, whole grains, legumes (such as peas), fruits, vegetables, fish, folate-rich foods, and soy.

Attention to mental health Must always maintain an optimistic attitude, light-hearted thinking, create a happy and comfortable life by yourself, avoiding anxiety and depression. Getting enough sleep is also very important, so you need to ensure at least 7 hours of deep sleep every day.
Treatment and management of acquired conditions Diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure are risk factors for cardiovascular problems.
In summary, postmenopausal women have a higher risk of heart disease - including high blood pressure, coronary heart disease, blood clots... compared to non-menopausal women. The decline in the natural hormone estrogen is an undesirable and detrimental factor for the heart. However, women can completely protect their cardiovascular health in particular and overall health by preventing diseases before menopause.
Currently, Vinmec International General Hospital has a package of pre-menopausal health examination and counseling. When registering for an examination package, customers will be examined and consulted with a specialist in Gynecology; Perform tests to assess hormonal status such as:
Gynecological examination Gynecological examination, breast examination Transabdominal ultrasound of uterus and ovaries Taking samples for cervical-vaginal cytology Mammogram (2 sides) Osteoporosis Measurement Perform other tests to detect premenopausal conditions, if any.

Reference source: webmd.com