One in three women die from heart disease each year, use these tips to keep your risk low

You might have heard about a link between menopause and heart health, but how does this natural biological process affect a woman’s risk for heart disease?

One in three women die from heart disease each year, and it’s important to understand your risk factors and what you can do to keep your risks low.

Facts About Menopause and Heart Health

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The Connection Between Menopause and Heart Health

Menopause happens when a woman stops getting her monthly menstrual period. It is a natural process that most women go through, usually around age 51, but it can happen earlier.

During menopause, the ovaries stop making estrogen, a hormone that controls the menstrual cycle. Estrogen may also help keep blood vessels strong and smooth.

While menopause does not cause heart disease, your risk for developing conditions that are linked to heart disease gets higher. Around menopause, you may have:

  • A rise in blood pressure
  • A higher level of LDL, or “bad” cholesterol
  • A lower level of HDL, or “good” cholesterol, which helps remove some of the “bad” cholesterol from your blood
  • A higher level of triglycerides, a type of fat in your blood

While there might be a connection between estrogen and a lower risk for heart disease and stroke prior to menopause, taking estrogen is not recommended for heart disease prevention after menopause.

Symptoms of Heart Disease in Women

Both men and women have a higher risk for heart disease as they age. While you may think some symptoms are just a normal part of aging, it’s important to talk to your doctor if you have:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Chest pain
  • Fluttering in the chest (also called heart palpitations)
  • Fatigue, or feeling very tired
  • Swelling in your feet or ankles

And, the symptoms of a heart attack can be different for women than they are for men. While most women will have chest pain, arm pain, or shortness of breath, other symptoms may be mild and can include:

  • Pressure or pain in the chest that comes and goes
  • Sweating
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness or light-headedness
  • Pain in the jaw, neck, arm, or back
  • Fatigue

If you think you or someone else is having a heart attack, call 911 right away.  Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you. Paramedics are trained to treat people on the way to the hospital and will provide the fastest way to get there.

RELATED: Women and Heart Disease: Know the Signs

Staying Heart-Healthy as You Age

By developing heart-healthy habits early in life, you can help keep your risks low as you get older.

  • Choose a heart-healthy diet that is higher in fiber and lower salt, sugar, and processed foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and low-fat dairy products can play a big part in your heart health.
  • Get regular physical activity. The American Heart Association recommends at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity activity, like walking, biking, dancing, or gardening at least five days a week.
  • Avoid or quit smoking and using tobacco products. No matter how long you’ve smoked, it’s never too late to quit.
  • Find healthy ways to cope with stress. Take up a hobby, try meditation or yoga, and make sure you get regular physical activity.
  • Seek treatment for depression. Some studies have shown that middle-aged women with depression are twice as likely to have a stroke.
  • Keep regular visits with your doctor. Check-ups will help you keep an eye on your risk factors, talk about symptoms, and get treatment early.

The Magee-Womens Heart Program, part of the UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute, provides specialized care for women with heart disease. To learn more, call 1-855-UPMC-HVI (876-2484).

About Heart and Vascular Institute

The UPMC Heart and Vascular Institute has long been a leader in cardiovascular care, with a rich history in clinical research and innovation. As one of the first heart transplant centers in the country and as the developer of one of the first heart-assist devices, UPMC has contributed to advancing the field of cardiovascular medicine. We strive to provide the most advanced, cutting-edge care for our patients, treating both common and complex conditions. We also offer services that seek to improve the health of our communities, including heart screenings, free clinics, and heart health education. Find an expert near you.