The Overlooked Link Between Menopause and Heart Health
When most women think about menopause, the first symptoms that come to mind are hot flashes, night sweats, and mood swings. What often goes unspoken is the impact menopause can have on heart health. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the number one cause of death for women, and menopause is a critical turning point in that risk.
Studies show that the incidence of CVD rises sharply after menopause.
Why Menopause Matters for Your Heart
Before menopause, estrogen offers some protection for blood vessels and cholesterol balance. As estrogen declines, that protection weakens. This shift can lead to:
Higher blood pressure.
Changes in cholesterol, including increased LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and decreased HDL (“good” cholesterol).
A greater tendency for weight gain, especially around the abdomen, which raises cardiovascular risk.
These changes don’t happen overnight, but over time they add up, making postmenopausal women more vulnerable to heart disease than their premenopausal peers.
What the Research Tells Us
Studies show that the incidence of CVD rises sharply after menopause. In fact, within 10 years of menopause, a woman’s risk of heart disease can equal or surpass that of a man the same age. This isn’t just about hormones—it’s also about lifestyle, stress, and sometimes delayed attention to symptoms.
Many women dismiss chest pain, fatigue, or shortness of breath, assuming it’s anxiety or simply “getting older.” That delay in seeking care can be dangerous.
What You Can Do
Here’s the empowering part—you are not powerless in this. There are clear, actionable steps that help reduce cardiovascular risk during and after menopause:
Know Your Numbers: Track your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar. Don’t wait for problems to arise—prevention starts with awareness.
Prioritize Movement: Aim for regular exercise that combines cardio, strength, and flexibility. Even brisk walking counts.
Fuel Wisely: Choose foods rich in fiber, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Minimize processed foods and added sugars.
Manage Stress: Chronic stress increases cardiovascular strain. Practices like meditation, journaling, or even 10 minutes of deep breathing can make a difference.
Seek Support: Whether through a healthcare provider, a community, or programs like Defy Menopause: Own the Change, you deserve guidance that’s tailored to you.
Essential Tests To Monitor Heart Health
1. Blood Pressure Check
High blood pressure is a leading risk factor for heart disease.
Get it checked at least once a year—or more often if you’ve had borderline or high readings.
2. Lipid (Cholesterol) Panel
Looks at LDL (“bad”), HDL (“good”), and triglycerides.
After menopause, LDL tends to rise while HDL falls, so this test is crucial.
Frequency: every 4–6 years if normal, more often if you’re at risk.
3. Blood Sugar / HbA1c
Menopause increases the risk of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes, both of which damage the heart.
HbA1c gives an average blood sugar level over 3 months.
Frequency: at least every 3 years if normal, yearly if prediabetes or other risks are present.
4. Weight and Waist Circumference
Abdominal fat after menopause is strongly linked to heart disease.
A waist circumference above 35 inches (for women) is considered a risk factor.
5. High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)
A marker of inflammation that can predict cardiovascular risk.
Not a standard test for everyone but useful if you have borderline risks.
6. Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
Checks for irregular heart rhythms or signs of past heart damage.
Recommended if you have symptoms (chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath) or strong family history.
7. Coronary Calcium Score (CT Scan)
A specialized test that measures calcium buildup in heart arteries—an early sign of atherosclerosis.
Especially helpful for women with intermediate risk who want more clarity.
Final Thoughts
Menopause is not the end of vitality—it’s a new stage that requires attention and intention. By understanding the link between menopause and cardiovascular disease, you can take control of your health today and protect your future.
Your heart deserves the same care and advocacy you bring to every other part of your life. The truth is simple: when you take charge of your health now, you create stability, freedom, and confidence for the years ahead.
Defy Menopause - Own the Change
Many women tell me: "One day I feel amazing. The next, I can barely get out of bed. Is this normal?"
Yes, it is. And no, you don’t have to suffer through it alone.
Hormonal fluctuations during perimenopause can make you feel like you’ve lost control of your body. But knowledge is powerful. And there are clear, science-backed ways to support your hormones, ease symptoms, and reclaim your energy.
That’s exactly why I created Defy Menopause: Own the Change — a 30-day program designed to give you the tools, knowledge, and support you need to move through these changes with clarity and confidence.
Inside, you’ll find:
Weekly access to Dr. Tracy Verrico at live, group sessions
Clear action steps for managing symptoms naturally
Because you deserve more than just "putting up with it."
You deserve to thrive.
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