Menopause Increases the Risk of Heart Disease in Women

Heart disease can affect anyone, including women, and is often underestimated because its symptoms may be vague or non-specific. While women have an equal risk of developing heart disease as men, the risk significantly increases during menopause. This is closely related to the decline in estrogen levels, a hormone known for its protective effect on heart health.

Menopause is a natural biological process that marks the end of a woman’s menstrual cycle. Most women enter menopause between the ages of 45 and 55. As a result, heart disease in women is more frequently diagnosed in middle-aged to elderly individuals. Let’s explore the connection between menopause and heart disease risk—and how to reduce that risk—in the discussion below.

 

Understanding Menopause and Its Link to Heart Disease

Estrogen plays a cardioprotective role during a woman’s reproductive years. However, this protective effect begins to decline during perimenopause, the transition period before menopause. The reduction in estrogen influences how the body stores and processes fat, affecting cholesterol profiles. This hormonal change also increases the risk of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in the arteries), which can lead to cardiovascular diseases such as coronary artery disease, heart attack, and stroke.

The age at which a woman experiences menopause also affects her heart disease risk. According to the American Heart Association (2022), women who experience premature menopause (before age 40) are 40% more likely to develop heart disease.

 

Tips to Prevent Heart Disease During Menopause

Routine health screenings are essential for postmenopausal women to maintain heart health—especially for those with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, or unhealthy habits like smoking and excessive alcohol consumption. Cardiac screening tests can help assess these risks and detect early signs of heart disease.

In addition, regular physical activity—at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise daily—is highly recommended. Suitable activities include brisk walking, stationary cycling, or yoga.

Here are other helpful tips for preventing heart disease during menopause:

• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet

• Maintain a healthy body weight

• Get adequate sleep

• Monitor cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar

• Avoid smoking

Maintaining a healthy heart and vascular system is key to navigating menopause with energy and vitality. For convenient heart screening services, contact Tzu Chi Hospital’s call center. If you would like to further discuss your heart health, consult our cardiologists at Tzu Chi Hospital.

 

This article has been medically reviewed by Dr. Stephanie Salim, Sp.JP, FIHA.