There is something that happens to women entering their late 40s and early 50s that they can’t see or feel and may not even know about: Their cardiovascular disease risks are rising.
Why does the Risk Multiply During Menopause?
Menopausal women produce less oestrogen. As oestrogen levels drop, the cardiovascular system faces multiple challenges. They accumulate more belly fat and excess abdominal fat is part of a cluster of symptoms known as metabolic syndrome, that becomes more common after menopause.
A person experiences metabolic syndrome when she has at least three of the following: abdominal obesity, high triglycerides, low (good) HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or high blood sugar. Add to this the fact that our arteries become less elastic, thicker, and more vulnerable to disease and we can now understand how heart disease is one of the leading causes of death.
Hormonal Fluctuations and Heart Risk
Menopause-related hot flushes and night sweats have been linked to a greater risk for high blood pressure and other cardiovascular risk factors. If you are experiencing these symptoms, try our Promensil Double Strength tablets containing 80mg of natural and standardised red clover isoflavones for a relief from Hot Flushes and Night Sweats.
Prevention is Key
Research suggests that the most effective ways to prevent a heart disease is not smoking, being physically active, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, getting enough sleep, and keeping cholesterol, blood pressure and blood glucose levels under control.
Expert Tips: The Keystone Habit
Start with exercise. If you develop the habit of exercise, it can become what experts call “a key-stone habit,” i.e., a practice that triggers positive changes in other areas of your life, such as diet. This ripple effect can be incredibly powerful in minimising heart-related risks.