Lara Shayne, 53, experienced a terrifying cardiac event just a minute into her daily workout. “I felt like an elephant was on my chest,” she recalled. A quick check revealed an 80% blockage in her left anterior descending (LAD) artery.
She underwent emergency angioplasty and stent implantation to prevent a heart attack. Shayne’s experience highlights a critical issue: the increased heart disease risk during menopause, a stage many women are unaware of.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., accounting for 42% of heart-related deaths in Chicago, according to the Chicago Health Atlas.
Across Illinois, nearly 45% of heart disease deaths are women, with 11% in the 40-64 age range, per 2023 Illinois Department of Public Health data. Premature menopause (before age 40) further increases coronary heart disease risk.
How Menopause Affects Heart Health
Menopause marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, typically around age 51. However, estrogen levels begin to decline earlier during perimenopause, causing irregular periods, hot flashes, and sleep disturbances. These symptoms are linked to higher cardiovascular risks, according to the American Heart Association.
Dr. Priya Freaney, a cardiologist at Northwestern University, explained that declining estrogen levels during menopause lead to increased cholesterol, higher blood pressure, and worsening vascular health. Dr. Tochi Okwuosa, a cardiology professor at Rush University Medical Center, added that estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels. Its decline makes it easier for cholesterol plaque to build up, increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Managing the Risk
Lifestyle changes are crucial in mitigating these risks. Dr. Freaney recommended consistent exercise, a healthy diet, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol. The American Heart Association suggests 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise or 75 minutes of high-intensity activity per week. Dr. Okwuosa also encouraged fun activities like dancing and biking.
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
Shayne decided against HRT after weighing the risks. While HRT can manage menopause symptoms, it may worsen heart disease for those with a history of heart attacks or severe blockages. Dr. Freaney advised against HRT for such patients due to clotting risks.
Conclusion
Menopause significantly increases heart disease risk for women. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and consulting healthcare providers about HRT can help manage these risks.
