Be Aware: Heart Health Risks Spike After Menopause! Here’s What Every Woman Needs to Know!

PETALING JAYA: Women going through menopause, particularly those in their 50s and older, need to be acutely aware of serious heart health risks that can arise during this life stage. Dr. David Khoo Sin Keat, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at IHeal Medical Centre, underscores the urgency for menopausal women to proactively monitor their heart health.

Recent statistics show that the average life expectancy of Malaysian women was 78.3 years in 2021, while menopause typically begins around the age of 50.7. This suggests that many women could spend more than a third of their lives in a state of diminished estrogen levels, which is not just characterized by hot flashes and emotional stress, but also poses significant risks to cardiovascular health.

Dr. Khoo reveals a startling fact: the rate of heart attacks in women doubles within just 10 years after menopause, a trend exacerbated by lifestyle choices such as physical inactivity, smoking, unhealthy diets, and chronic stress. “Estrogen acts as a protective shield for the heart, and as its levels drop during menopause, the risk of cardiovascular disease significantly increases,” he notes.

By the age of 55, the incidence of cardiovascular disease in men and women equalizes, with coronary artery disease being a leading cause of mortality for both genders. A notable concern is that women may exhibit atypical symptoms of heart disease that are often linked to issues like microvascular heart disease, which can manifest differently than in men. While men may experience symptoms triggered by physical exertion, women’s symptoms are frequently exacerbated by mental and emotional stress.

“What often goes unnoticed are classic symptoms of heart conditions, such as fatigue, shortness of breath, and palpitations,” Dr. Khoo stresses. Many women mistakenly consider heart disease a 'male issue,' leading them to ignore these warning signs.

The hormonal changes during menopause also lead to increased bad cholesterol, elevated blood pressure, and reduced elasticity in blood vessels—all of which dramatically heighten the risk of serious conditions like atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, and even heart failure. In particular, "heart failure with preserved ejection fraction" often plagues women, characterized by a pumping heart that is too stiff to adequately fill with blood.

So what can women do to protect themselves? Dr. Khoo emphasizes that heart disease is highly preventable through proactive lifestyle changes. Initiating a heart-healthy lifestyle during the perimenopausal phase is crucial. Regular exercise—like brisk walking or swimming—paired with a balanced diet filled with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can significantly lower these risks.

Moreover, steering clear of smoking, moderating alcohol consumption, and developing stress management techniques such as mindfulness or yoga play vital roles in maintaining heart health. Regular health check-ups for monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose levels are essential for early detection and intervention.

In some cases, hormone replacement therapy may also be beneficial under medical supervision, helping alleviate menopausal symptoms while mitigating cardiovascular risks.

Healthcare providers are encouraged to engage in discussions about the impact of declining estrogen levels on heart health during menopause-related appointments. Additionally, tailored educational materials aimed at perimenopausal and postmenopausal women can empower them to take charge of their health.

Community outreach initiatives—including health talks, workshops, and online campaigns—are crucial. These should emphasize culturally sensitive communication strategies, especially in diverse societies like Malaysia, where menopause may still be a stigmatized topic. Educating women in relatable terms can encourage them to prioritize their heart health and ultimately lead to better health outcomes.

In conclusion, as women transition through menopause, understanding and addressing heart health risks has never been more vital. With the right information and proactive measures, every woman can take control of her health and lead a longer, healthier life!