The heart disease triggers that start as menopause symptoms

It’s no secret that doctors have a gender bias when it comes to heart problems.

It’s the reason that a woman can walk into an emergency room having a heart attack and be told she’s probably just passing a gallstone — or even worse, that it’s nothing more than an anxiety attack.

That woman may even be sent home, with zero help, where she gets to wait to see what comes next.

Yet, if a man suffering myocardial infarction steps through the door at the same time, the very same doctors will immediately recognize what’s happening so that he gets the treatment he needs to survive.

Yep, the truth is that heart disease, heart attacks, and vascular disease are all too common in women and all too commonly ignored by their doctors.

This means that if you’re a female, the ball is in your court when it comes to caring for your heart and recognizing your risk of heart problems — so that you can advocate for your health, even when your doctor won’t.

That’s why it’s so important for you to be aware of the results of a study that found menopause symptoms (or at least a certain number of them) could be a gauge for your heart health…

Here’s how to know if you’re at increased risk of cardiovascular problems…

The research revealed that while the symptoms you experience during menopause may seem like nothing more than irritations, the truth is that they can actually be a harbinger of things to come for your heart.

In fact, the severity of menopause symptoms you may suffer along with how many, can trigger an increased risk for heart disease.

So for example, if you have severe hot flashes but no other menopausal symptoms, you may not have as much to worry about.

On the other hand, if you’re struggling with two or more moderate to severe symptoms, your risk of cardiovascular disease and stroke goes up dramatically. These symptoms can include:

• Hot flashes
• Night sweats
• Dizziness
• Racing heart
• Tremors
• Restlessness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Forgetfulness
• Mood swings
• Vaginal dryness
• Breast tenderness
• Migraines
• Waking multiple times throughout the night

It’s quite a list, isn’t it!

And just having two at a moderate level or above is a red flashing light warning you to look out for your heart.

Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director for the North American Menopause Society put it this way, “With heart disease remaining the number one killer of women, studies like this are invaluable. Healthcare providers need to be aware that menopause symptoms may be more than a benign nuisance, and women suffering from these symptoms may be at increased risk for cardiovascular disease.”

Of course, I would add that since our healthcare providers may or may not take that step to be aware and on the lookout for heart problems based on menopause symptoms. This means that we as women have to do it ourselves.

Guarding your heart post-menopause

And just as importantly — if not more — I would say that if you fall into that high-risk category, of experiencing two or more menopausal symptoms, you should immediately take steps to guard your heart’s health and keep your ticker ticking.

Here’s how natural health experts and the American Heart Association recommend doing just that:

#1 — Stay active

Exercise and heart health go hand in hand. So shoot for at least 150 minutes per week of physical activity.

#2 — Watch your diet

A healthy heart requires a healthy diet. This means eating plenty of fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, fish, nuts and seeds. And it’s also about limiting sugary drinks, refined carbs and processed foods.

#3 — Think positive

Studies have found that depression post-menopause can almost double your risk of stroke. So embrace positivity, take steps to manage your stress, and enjoy activities and time with friends and loved ones to help lift your mood.

#4 — Supplement strategically

Finally, add in nutrients that support the health of your heart and blood vessels, like:

• Vitamin K2 — To boost artery-beneficial HDL, lower total cholesterol and enhance blood flow.
• Nattokinase — To promote normal smooth blood flow.
• CoQ10 — To flood your heart with the energy it needs to stand up to all of your body’s demands.
• Fish or krill oil

Although the benefits of fish oil for the heart were hotly debated for decades, that debate seems to have been settled. An in-depth review of a whopping 40 clinical studies found that the omega-3s found in fish oil reduced the risk of coronary heart disease (CHD) events, the cause of 7.4 million deaths globally each year, “Reduced risk of myocardial infarction (heart attack), including fatal heart attack.”

Remember, it’s your heart so take care of it. If you have two or more moderate to severe menopausal symptoms, the red warning light is flashing.

Sources:

Could your menopause symptoms be hard on your heart? — EurekAlert!

The invisible woman? The challenge at the doctor’s office every woman needs to know about — Today

Why Doctors Still Misunderstand Heart Disease in Women — The Atlantic

Authoritative new analysis links increased omega-3 intake to cardioprotection and improved cardiovascular outcomes — EurekAlert!

How to Prevent Heart Disease After Menopause — American Heart Association

How to Eat Healthy without “Dieting” — American Heart Association