HysterSisters Articles for Hysterectomy

SHARING IS CARING

Heart Disease and Menopause

From the Menopause and Hormones Articles List

Is there a connection between menopause and heart disease?


Heart disease is the number one killer of women, and risk factors can increase as women age. Natural menopause is also a risk factor, and women with preexisting risk factors who have gone through menopause have an even higher risk for heart disease. Unfortunately, going into menopause early, such as following a bilateral oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries), also significantly increases risks for coronary heart disease.

The decrease in estrogen during menopause could be one reason for the increased risk of heart disease. Estrogen has a positive affect on the cardiovascular system because it helps keep blood vessels flexible. When estrogen levels decrease, the blood vessels can stiffen and cause high blood pressure (hypertension). High blood pressure can, in turn, damage your arteries and heart.

Another reason for a greater risk of heart disease during menopause is that your cholesterol levels can increase as your estrogen levels decrease. Both bad cholesterol (LDL) and triglycerides can increase, while good cholesterol (HDL) may either stay the same or decrease. Too much cholesterol in your blood can cause arteries to become restricted and less flexible, reducing the amount of oxygen that reaches your heart.

During menopause, women may also eat more, be less active, and have a decreased metabolism, all contributing factors to weight gain–another risk factor for heart disease. Being overweight increases your risk for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and blood sugar issues, all risk factors for heart disease.

All women will face menopause at some point in their lives, so being aware of it’s affects on heart disease can help you make better choices for better health. While you can’t avoid menopause, you can take steps to minimize it’s impact on your heart.

You should discuss hormone replacement therapy (HRT) with your doctor, especially if you are dealing with surgical menopause at a young age. To help decrease your risks and keep your heart healthy, you can also eat healthy, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, not smoke, limit alcohol, and manage stress effectively. If you have health conditions, such as diabetes, or a family history of heart disease which increase your risks for heart disease, it’s especially important for you to be diligent with your heart health during menopause.


This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.



SHARING IS CARING

Do you have a question?

If you have a medical support question related to this article, come JOIN US in our HysterSisters Community Forums. You will receive helpful replies to your questions from our members. See you there!

HysterSisters Free Hysterectomy Booklet What 350,000 Women Know About Hysterectomy with pages of information, helpful tips and hints to prepare and recover from hysterectomy. Free download for members.

HysterSisters Articles

Diagnosis
Options to Hysterectomy
Treatment Alternatives
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Separate Surgeries
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Separate Surgeries
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Breast Health
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
GYN Genetics
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

Find a Surgeon

Joseph S. Valenti, M.D. 2805 S. Mayhill Road Denton TX 76208 940 591-6700	Aileen Caceres, M.D. Center for Specialized Gynecology/Florida Hospital 410 Celebration Place, Suite 302 Celebration FL 34747 (407) 303-4573	Antonio Gargiulo, M.D. Brigham and Women's Hospital 75 Francis Street Boston MA 02115 617-732-4222
James Kondrup, M.D. 161 Riverside Drive Suite 109 Binghamton NY 13905 607-770-7074	Ted Lee, M.D. Magee Womens Hospital 300 Halket Street Pittsburgh PA 15213 412 641 6412	Debra Richardson, M.D. Gynecological Oncology Clinic - SW Med 2201 Inwood Road Suite 106 Dallas TX 75390 214-645-4673
Mayra J. Thompson, M.D. 5323 Harry Hines Blvd Dept OBGYN Dallas TX 75290 214-645-3888	Arnold Advincula, M.D. Columbia Ob/Gyn Midtown 51 West 51st St, 3rd FL New York NY 10019 (855) 75-OBGYN	Lauren Streicher, M.D. Gynecologic Specialists of Northwestern, S.C 680 N. Lake Shore Dr., Suite 117 Chicago IL 60611 (312)654-1166