Menopausal women at risk of cardiovascular diseases –doctors

Menopause may be considered a big life transition for women, but according to several doctors, even before women experience its symptoms, they should get themselves checked to improve their cardiovascular health. 

In an online forum hosted by the Philippine Heart Association (PHA) for the National Women’s Heart Health Month, Dr. Evangeline Santiago, who is the chairman of the Cardinal Santos Medical Center’s Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, said that heart disease is the number one killer of women after the age of menopause.

This is why she pointed out that cardiovascular disease is and should be the main health concern of elderly women.

“It has been observed that during the menopause transition, it is associated with a significant increase in blood pressure, body mass index, obesity, and body fat distribution. All these make the woman at higher risk for cardiovascular disease,” Santiago said. 

According to her, the median age for menopause is 51 years old. However, some women get early menopause at age 40-45, while others get premature menopause at less than 40 years of age and “need special medical investigation and care.” 

The most frequently observed symptoms of menopause include joint and muscle discomfort, hot flashes, depression, insomnia, and low sex drive. Some may also experience night sweats, weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, and belly fat disposition. 

Dr. Josephine Almaria, who is also an obstetrician and gynecologist (OB-GYN), stressed that women don’t have to feel something first before getting themselves checked, adding that it is important for doctors to be able to screen women who are in their menopause transition. 

“At 40 years old, alam natin na tumataas na ‘yung risk nila for having cardiovascular diseases. Kahit hindi ako cardiologist, I make sure na kinakamusta ang overall health mo. I check for the blood chem tapos thyroid disorder because at that age, nagkakaron na ng risk ang women for thyroid dysfunction,” she said. 

(At 40 years old, we know that the women’s risk for having cardiovascular diseases increases. Even though I’m not a cardiologist, I make sure to know my patients’ overall health. I check for their blood chem and thyroid disorder because at that age, women are already at risk for thyroid dysfunction.) 

“I also ask if [they have] risk factors or diseases that predispose them to having earlier problems related to cardiovascular health. Inuunahan ko na ‘yun ng screening (I screen them first),” she added.

Cardiologist Dr. Louella Santos explained that during menopause, women’s estrogen levels decline, reducing their natural protection against heart, brain, and bone disease. 

“This decline can lead to higher bad (LDL) cholesterol and lower good (HDL) cholesterol. This imbalance increases the risk of plaque buildup in arteries, which can restrict blood flow and increase the risk of heart attack or stroke,” she said.

To improve heart health during this stage, Santos advised women to follow the “52100 healthy lifestyle code” which stands for 5 servings of fruits and vegetables, not more than 2 grams of sodium, at least one hour of physical activity, zero sugary drinks, and zero vices such as smoking and drinking alcohol, daily.—LDF, GMA Integrated News