Reviewing Your Heart Health And Menopause
Heart health is a other major concern for women as they go through menopause and enter their post-menopausal years. At the same time that your estrogen levels decline, your risk of cardiovascular disease increases. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, as well as in men. However, there are things that women can do to reduce the risk. In this article, we’ll discuss your heart health and what you can do to protect it.
A woman has a reduced rate of heart disease before menopause compared with men her own age. After menopause, however, a woman’s rate of heart disease increases considerably, until by the age of 65, her risk is equal to that of her male peers. Recent research has found conclusively that there is no coronary health benefit for women with a history of heart disease, who take estrogen alone, or estrogen plus a progestin. Research has also found that women without a previous history of heart disease may also face an increased risk for heart disease when taking hormone therapy. Estrogen therapy is still a safe, short-term option for some women, but numerous other therapies also are available to help you manage menopausal symptoms and protect your heart during this important phase of your life.
There are many things that menopausal women can do to reduce their risk of heart disease. First, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol intake. This will almost immediately reduce your blood pressure. Secondly, eat a diet low in saturated fats and plentiful in whole grains, fruits and vegetables. A diet high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in cold water fish, can prevent heart disease. Cold water fish include salmon, tuna, mackerel, herring and halibut. Fish oils high in omega-3 fatty acids can also help to prevent blood clots, can decrease inflammation in the blood vessels, and can promote a regular cardiac rhythm. Increasing dietary fiber by eating a whole foods diet high in vegetables can lower cholesterol levels and can have a positive effect on the health of your heart.
Exercise is a most beneficial activity for women during menopause. Before you cringe, remember that the exercise does not have to strenuous and painful. To get the benefits to your heart health, you have to get your heart rate up for twenty minutes. Gentle exercises that promote mobility, flexibility and relaxation, while decreasing stiffness and soreness are best. Vigor and energy are usually enhanced with regular exercise. Using stairs whenever possible and increasing daily walking time are two of the very best exercises.
Women can stop the middle age spread and improve their heart health by taking particularly good care of their health during and after menopause. In addition to a healthy diet and exercise, regularly see a doctor to check your triglycerides and cholesterol levels. Your doctor can prescribe medication if the levels are too high. While many of the symptoms of menopause improve over time, you can never be too careful with your heart.
