Heart Disease: The #1 Risk Women Shouldn’t Ignore
Did you know that heart disease kills more women than all cancers combined? While many think of menopause as a time of hot flashes and mood swings, fewer realize it’s also a turning point for cardiovascular and metabolic health.
A recent review from the Mayo Clinic highlights that CVD risk in women rises sharply during the menopause transition, largely due to hormonal changes, metabolic shifts, and body composition changes that occur independently of aging. These changes can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and metabolic disorders—but early intervention can dramatically improve outcomes.
How Menopause Impacts Cardiometabolic Health
1️. Increased Risk of High Blood Pressure
As estrogen declines, women experience:
- Higher blood pressure due to changes in blood vessel function
- Increased activation of the renin-angiotensin system, a key driver of hypertension
- Greater arterial stiffness, which raises heart disease risk
- Worsening Cholesterol & Lipid Profiles
Menopause is linked to:
- Higher LDL (“bad” cholesterol) and triglycerides
- A decline in HDL (“good” cholesterol) function, making it less protective
- Greater risk of plaque buildup in arteries, leading to heart disease
3️. Increased Insulin Resistance & Metabolic Syndrome
Many women notice weight gain around the midsection during menopause, which is often due to rising insulin resistance. This can lead to:
- Higher blood sugar levels and increased diabetes risk
- Metabolic syndrome, which includes high blood pressure, elevated blood sugar, and increased belly fat
- Increased inflammation, which fuels cardiovascular disease
4️. Body Fat Redistribution & Muscle Loss
During menopause, women experience:
- A shift from lean muscle to visceral fat (belly fat), which is more dangerous for heart health
- Fat accumulation around the heart, increasing the risk of heart failure
- Loss of muscle mass, slowing metabolism and increasing frailty
5️. Sleep, Mood & Stress: The Hidden Heart Risks
- Sleep disturbances and sleep apnea significantly raise the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease
- Persistent stress and mood changes contribute to higher cortisol levels, worsening metabolic function
- Hot flashes and night sweats are linked to a higher risk of heart disease and stroke
How to Take Control of Your Cardiometabolic Health During Menopause
Early intervention is key—and the good news is that targeted strategies can reduce your risk, improve longevity, and support overall vitality.
1. Advanced Cardiometabolic Testing & Risk Screening
- Comprehensive lab testing to assess cholesterol, inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic markers
- Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM) to track blood sugar fluctuations and optimize metabolism
- Coronary Artery Calcium (CAC) Scoring to evaluate plaque buildup and heart disease risk
2. Personalized Nutrition & Metabolic Support
- Anti-inflammatory, heart-healthy eating to lower cholesterol, balance blood sugar, and reduce belly fat
- Strategic use of GLP-1s for women struggling with stubborn weight gain & metabolic resistance
- Targeted supplementation, including omega-3s, vitamin D, magnesium, and CoQ10 for heart and metabolic health
3. Strength Training & Cardiovascular Fitness
- Strength training & resistance exercises to preserve muscle, increase metabolism, and protect bones
- Aerobic exercise (walking, swimming, cycling) to boost heart health and reduce inflammation
- HIIT (high-intensity interval training) for metabolic flexibility and fat burning
4. Hormone Optimization (If Eligible)
Menopausal Hormone therapy (MHT) can be a powerful tool for both symptom relief and cardiovascular health support. Research shows that MHT started early in menopause (under age 60) may lower the risk of heart disease and metabolic decline.
- HRT for symptom relief & metabolic support
- Non-hormonal treatments for those who prefer alternatives
- Vaginal estrogen & DHEA to support genitourinary & cardiovascular health
The Bottom Line: Midlife Is the Best Time to Prioritize Heart Health
The menopause transition isn’t just about hot flashes and mood swings—it’s a pivotal time for metabolic and cardiovascular health. At Evolve, we take a data-driven, personalized approach to help you:
- Understand your risk with advanced cardiometabolic testing
- Optimize your metabolism, heart, and longevity with targeted nutrition, exercise, and medical interventions
- Prevent disease & thrive in midlife and beyond
Your heart health is in your hands—let’s take control together.
Visit our private clinic in Issaquah or book a virtual consultation anywhere in Washington.
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