Your Menopause, Your Heart showcases menopause, American Heart Month in February and Wear Red Day on Friday, February 2. After menopause, our risk of heart disease can increase…

Cardiovascular Disease

What is cardiovascular disease (CVD)?

Depending on the Source (DotS), the definition of CVD may vary. In What Is Cardiovascular Disease? the World Heart Federation’s (WHF) definition is:

“Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a class of diseases that affect the heart or blood vessels (veins and arteries)”.

Heart Disease

What is heart disease (CVD)?

DotS, the definition of heart disease may vary. In What Is Cardiovascular Disease? What are the Different Types of Cardiovascular Disease? Heart Disease the WHF’s definition is:

“Coronary heart disease, sometimes called coronary artery disease or ischemic heart disease, is the most common type of heart disease. It refers to heart problems caused by narrowed coronary arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle. For some people, the first sign of coronary heart disease is a heart attack”.

No 1 Killer of Women

Is CVD the No 1 killer of women?

According to the American Heart Association’s, Go Red for Women:

“Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer of women”.

Breast Cancer

Your Menopause, Your HeartCan CVD kill more women than breast cancer?

In Women & CVD the WHF note:

“13x as many women die of CVD than of breast cancer”.

Menopause

What CVD risk factors should every woman know about?

In Menopause and Cardiovascular Disease: Does Menopause Increase A Woman’s Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke? the Go Red for Women elaborate on:

Your Menopause, Your Heart“Cardiovascular risk factors that every woman should know about include:

  • Age at the time of menopause. Women who reach menopause before age 45 have a significantly higher risk of coronary heart disease. Coronary heart disease results from plaque buildup in the arteries
  • Estrogen. Levels of estrogen, which helps keep blood vessels relaxed and open, start to decline markedly as menopause approaches. With less estrogen, cholesterol may begin to build up on artery walls. A buildup in vessels leading to the heart or brain can increase the risk of heart disease or stroke.
  • Hot flashes and night sweats. Hot flashes and night sweats are the most common menopause-related symptoms and can last up to 10 years. They also are associated with worse cardiovascular disease risk factor levels.
  • Depression and sleep problems. In some studies, depression and sleep disturbances were linked to an increased risk of heart disease.
  • Increased visceral fat
  • Cholesterol levels and metabolic syndrome risk

Know Your Numbers

Your Menopause, Your HeartWhat numbers do women (and men) we need to know?

In Know Your Numbers They Could Just Save Your Life the Go Red for Women explain:

“You can’t manage what you don’t measure, which is why knowing your risk is critical to preventing cardiovascular disease. And knowing your risk starts with knowing your numbers.

Talk to your healthcare provider today to learn about your Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, Blood Sugar and BMI (Body Mass Index). Your heart depends on it”.

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Last Updated: 14 February 2024 – Last Revised 28 January 2024