Learn How Menopause Increases Your Risk of Heart Disease
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Menopause It is a time when monthly menstruation or periods cease. It occurs due to the loss of ovarian follicular function. At this point, the ovaries stop releasing eggs for fertilization. The World Health Organization (WHO) says that the regularity and length of the menstrual cycle varies throughout a woman’s reproductive life, but the age at which natural menopause occurs is generally between 45 and 55 years for women. all over the world.
Menopause is usually diagnosed when there is no menstrual period, vaginal bleeding, or spotting for 12 months. While menopause is natural, a person may have several physical symptoms, such as hot flashes, poor sleep quality, lack of energy, and bad mood, among others. There are several treatments to address menopause symptoms and these include hormone therapy and lifestyle changes.
Menopause significantly affects several aspects of an individual’s health, such as bone health, weight gain, urinary incontinence, and heart health.
Menopause can increase the risk of heart disease in women due to changes in the body. Heart disease is a condition in which the heart and blood vessels do not work properly. After menopause, women’s chances of developing heart disease increase significantly. Here, take a look at the reasons.
Before menopause, a woman’s body produces more of the hormone called estrogen. This hormone helps protect the heart by keeping blood vessels flexible, allowing them to expand and contract easily. It also helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
However, when a woman reaches menopause, estrogen levels tend to drop. Without estrogen, blood vessels can harden, making it difficult for blood to flow. This can also lead to high blood pressure, which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Many women tend to gain weight during menopause, which increases their risk of heart disease. As women age and their metabolism slows, they tend to gain more fat, especially around the abdomen. This fat, also known as visceral fat, is linked to higher risks of heart problems.
Along with this, there is also an increase in cholesterol levels. LDL or “bad” cholesterol tends to increase while HDL or “good” cholesterol tends to decrease. When you have a higher LDL level, it can cause plaque to build up in your arteries, narrowing them and making it difficult for blood to pass through. The buildup of plaque is called atherosclerosis and is also a major cause of heart attacks and strokes.
Other symptoms of menopause, such as stress, sleeping problems, and mood swings, can also indirectly cause heart disease. Lack of sleep and chronic stress cause inflammation in the body that can damage blood vessels over time.
Therefore, to reduce the risk of heart disease after menopause, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This also includes eating a heart-healthy diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, managing stress, and controlling cholesterol and blood pressure levels.
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