The Impact of Menopause on Heart Health
The Impact of Menopause on Heart Health-and How MHN Makes Care Affordable Menopause is a natural part of life, but its effects on heart health are often overlooked. As women transition through menopause, their risk for cardiovascular disease rises sharply, making it crucial to understand the connection and take proactive steps for heart health. How Menopause Affects the Heart Menopause typically occurs between ages 45 and 55, marking the end of menstrual cycles and a significant drop in estrogen levels. Estrogen is more than just a reproductive hormone-it plays a protective role in heart health by: Helping control cholesterol levels Reducing fat buildup in arteries Keeping blood vessels flexible and healthy When estrogen declines, these benefits fade. This can lead to: Higher cholesterol and blood pressure Increased arterial stiffness (loss of artery flexibility) Greater buildup of fat around the heart Weight gain, especially around the waist Difficulty controlling blood sugar, r...