Since women’s hearts behave differently than men’s throughout their lives (menopause, pregnancy, and hormones can all impact the heart), it’s important that we treat them differently to better mitigate risk.
Heart health and menopause
According to a recent study, estrogen produced in the body during the reproductive phase of a woman’s life helps protects against CVD. Estrogen helps to relax blood vessels and regulate blood pressure by reducing inflammation, among other benefits. Therefore, a decrease in estrogen after menopause can result in an increased risk of developing CVD.
Other common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, and depression have also been connected to CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure.
CVD prevention
Since lifestyle factors can start to play an increased role in CVD development once the protective benefits of estrogen begin to diminish, it’s important for women to start implementing intervention strategies early, especially during our middle-aged years.
Get tested
Some routine screening tests are recommended for cardiovascular disease prevention, including for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose levels.
Eat a balanced diet
A diet high in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and healthy fats and low in highly processed foods can help improve cholesterol levels, reduce blood pressure, manage body weight, and control blood sugar.
Live an active lifestyle
An accumulation of 150 minutes each week of moderate- to vigorous-intensity aerobic physical activity, in bouts of 10 minutes or more, is recommended to promote cardiovascular health.
Quit smoking
Though women who smoke are up to three times more likely to have a heart attack or stroke, don’t feel as if it’s too late to quit. When a woman stops smoking, her risk of CVD quicky begins to decrease.
Supplements studied for heart health
- folic acid
- magnesium
- CoQ10
- vitamin K2
This article was originally published in the February 2024 issue of delicious living magazine.
