Menopause is not good for your heart. What Round Rock cardiologist said you should know.
They also should think cardiovascular disease such as heart attacks and stroke. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death among women, and their risk as they hit menopause is similar to men of the same age.
That transition as menopause is happening increases a women's cardiovascular death risk, and about 50% of menopausal women have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease during this period, said Dr. Aditi Shankar, a cardiologist at Baylor Scott & White in Round Rock.
After heart attack, Ron Oliveira learns how to change his life at St. David's cardiac rehab
During the reproductive age, women have a relatively low risk for heart disease because of all the reproductive hormone levels, said Dr. Aditi Shankar, a cardiologist at Baylor Scott & White in Round Rock. It's not just the estradiol that decreases, but also other heart-protecting hormones. Meanwhile, the form of estrogen known as estrone actually goes up. It does not have heart protective qualities.
As those heart protection hormones decrease, it affects the cholesterol in your blood stream. With less estradiol and protective hormones, the bad cholesterol (LDL) is increased and the good cholesterol (HDL) decreases. The bad cholesterol jams up the works and creates a blockage in the arteries and blood vessels, causing a heart attack or stroke.
Read more: Can we talk menopause at SXSW? Actress Judy Greer, TV star Stacy London say: Yes, we must
The average woman hits menopause at age 50, but anything between 48 and 53 is considered normal. Women who hit menopause before age 45 either naturally or through surgical means such as a hysterectomy have an increased risk of heart disease because they have more years without the cardiovascular system-protecting hormones.
Especially beginning in perimenopause, that time period in which symptoms are beginning to be felt, women need to "start aggressive prevention," Shankar said.
Decrease the size of their waist to less than 35 inches. Abdominal fat around the organs has been linked to an increase risk.
Maintain a healthy HDL cholesterol of more than 50 milligrams per deciliter, and maintain a LDL of less than 100 milligrams per deciliter.
Maintain a fasting blood sugar level of 100 milligrams or less, and a healthy A1C (the blood glucose level over a three-month period) of 5.7% or less.
Regulate your blood pressure. Normal is 120/80.
Make sure your thyroid levels are well-maintained.
Maintain a healthy weight of less than 25 body mass index.
Exercise 115 minutes a week of moderate exercise to 75 minutes of intense exercise.
Use a diet that is low in saturated fats, low in added sugar, low in sodium (2,000 milligrams or less) and high in fruits and vegetables, healthy grains and lean proteins such as the Mediterranean or the DASH diet (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension).
Limit alcoholic beverages to no more than one drink a day on average, or for cancer risk reduction, less than that.
Do not smoke, including vaping.
Consider doing a CT screening after age 45 to assess the amount of calcium buildup around your heart.
Run a marathon. Check. Have a stroke afterward? Not even on Austin woman's radar.
The hormones you replace are not as protective as the hormone's you used to naturally produce, Shankar said. In fact, there is some evidence that after menopause, these synthetic hormones can increase your heart disease risk factor instead of decreasing it, she said.
It would be better to start a cholesterol-reducing statin, and medicines to control high blood pressure and blood sugar, rather than hormones.
Can birth control cause a stroke? Little-known side effect happened to Round Rock nurse
It is not the same as in men, who typically feel like an elephant is sitting on their chest.
In women, in addition to chest pain, a heart attack can feel like:
Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
Jaw, neck or upper back pain
Nausea or vomiting
Shortness of breath
Fainting
Cold sweat
Indigestion
Extreme fatigue
This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Menopause increases heart disease in women, Austin area experts say
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
7 Foods to Stock Up on at Costco If You Have High Blood Pressure, According to Dietitians
Foods found on the DASH diet provide fiber, potassium, omega-3s and more. Costco carries many dietitian-approved DASH diet-friendly foods including oats, nuts and berries. Other lifestyle factors like sleep, exercise and staying hydrated also help manage blood half of American adults have high blood pressure—a preventable and treatable risk factor for heart disease and stroke. The good news is, changes to your diet and lifestyle habits can help lower your blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart disease, and the DASH diet is a great place to start. Plus, you can shop for everything you need at your favorite neighborhood big box store—Costco! Unlike ultra-restrictive fad diets, the DASH diet encourages: Eating vegetables, fruits and whole grains Including fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils Limiting foods that are high in saturated fat, such as fatty meats, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel and palm oils Limiting sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets In this article, we'll cover dietitian-recommended foods to stock up on at Costco for high blood pressure. Canned tuna is a convenient, affordable way to incorporate more protein into your meals and snacks. 'Tuna is also an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids,' says Lauren Manaker, M.S., RDN, LD. Eating healthy omega-3 fats like DHA and EPA is linked to lower blood pressure. Plus, studies show that eating a variety of proteins from different sources—think meat, fish, beans and whole grains—can lower the risk of developing high blood pressure., 'Safe Catch Ahi Tuna is a convenient option available at Costco. It stands apart from other tuna brands because it guarantees a mercury level lower than the FDA action limit,' adds Manaker. Try our Lemon-Dill Tuna Salad between two pieces of whole-wheat bread as a sandwich or with tender Bibb lettuce. One serving has almost 30 grams of protein and less than 500 milligrams of sodium. 'Kirkland Signature unsalted mixed nuts are a great pantry staple to keep on hand for those looking to control or lower their blood pressure,' says Beverly Garden, RD, LDN. A 1-ounce serving contains no sodium, making it a great snack choice. About 70% of the sodium in our diet comes from packaged and processed foods, like many convenient snack foods. There's also 190 mg of potassium in a serving. That's only about 5% of your daily needs but it's still an added benefit, especially as a sodium-free snack. Research shows that consuming enough potassium, about 4,700 mg daily, is key to promoting healthy blood pressure. According to Garden, a potassium-rich diet can help manage blood pressure in two simple ways. First, it helps your body eliminate extra sodium through urine, which can reduce blood pressure. Second, potassium helps blood vessels relax, making it easier for blood to flow and lowering pressure in the blood vessels. 'Nuts are also a good source of fiber, and eating a high-fiber diet is associated with lower blood pressure,' says Garden. 'Costco is a great place to buy affordable, high-quality oils for cooking and salad dressings,' says Dana Taylor, M.P.A., RDN, LD. 'Look for extra-virgin olive oil, which supports healthy blood pressure, heart health and has anti-inflammatory properties.' Studies show that olive oil's high oleic acid and antioxidant polyphenol content are beneficial for lowering blood pressure, and that's why it's often recommended as one of the best fat choices for hypertension. Looking for inspiration on how to use this heart-healthy oil? Check out our 13 Healthy Homemade Salad Dressings Made with Olive Oil or this Olive Oil-Braised Summer Squash. Serve alongside grilled chicken or fish for a quick and healthy dinner. Kirkland Signature Organic Quinoa is a dietitian-approved Costco favorite for lowering blood pressure. 'With 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein per serving, quinoa makes a great addition to any salad, grain bowl or stir-fry,' says Ana Pruteanu, M.S., RD. Consuming a diet high in fiber, at least 25 grams for women and 38 grams for men daily, can help you manage high blood pressure. 'Gut microbes digest fiber, which creates short-chain fatty acids, health-promoting compounds with antihypertensive effects,' explains Pruteanu. There are many ways to boost your fiber intake with quinoa. The versatile gluten-free grain can be used in everything from grain bowls—try this Vegan Superfood Grain Bowl recipe—to healthy dessert recipes like our Almond Butter-Quinoa Blondies. Don't leave Costco without snagging the Kirkland Signature Three Berry Blend from the freezer aisle. 'Berries are packed with potassium and fiber, which play a key role in lowering blood pressure,' says Vanessa Imus, M.S., RDN. Forget about molding berries in the crisper drawer of your fridge. Frozen berries are incredibly versatile and have a longer shelf life than their fresh counterparts. 'You can toss them into Greek yogurt, blend them into a smoothie or even stir them into oatmeal for a heart-healthy, antioxidant-rich boost,' recommends Imus. Check out these 14 Recipes That Start with a Bag of Frozen Berries for inspiration. Registered dietitian Patricia Kolesa, M.S., RDN, recommends stocking up on Whole Grain Rolled Oats at Costco. 'Each serving contains 4 grams of fiber or 14% of the recommended daily value. Plus, they're sodium-free, making them an excellent choice for someone looking to reduce the overall amount of sodium in their diet.' Studies show that people who consumed whole-grain oats effectively reduced systolic blood pressure compared to people who consume refined grains. This was especially true in individuals with hypertension. Check out our Blueberry-Lemon Energy Balls, these High-Fiber Apple-Cranberry Baked Oats, and this Easy Savory Oatmeal recipe. Costco is a great place to buy heart-healthy salmon. Whether it's canned salmon or fresh, and both offer blood pressure-lowering benefits. 'Go for the Kirkland Signature Wild Alaskan pink salmon,' says Lisa Andrews, RD, LD. 'While these cans come in 6-ounce portions, they can be split to make two servings or shared with a friend.' Research shows that consuming omega-3 fatty acids from fish can help lower blood pressure by reducing inflammation and improving blood vessel function. 'Aim for at least two servings per week,' says Andrews. Check out our Salmon Salad-Stuffed Avocado recipe. Eating a healthy diet like the DASH diet is one way you can manage your blood pressure. Other lifestyle factors that help lower blood pressure include: Stay hydrated. 'Dehydration can cause the blood vessels to constrict, decreasing blood flow and raising blood pressure,' says Kolesa. The general rule of thumb is 64 ounces of water per day, but some people may need more depending on factors like activity level, health conditions, age and sex. Get moving. Aim for about 30 minutes daily or 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity weekly. Try this #1 Exercise You Should Be Doing for Better Blood Pressure. Prioritize sleep. Get at least seven hours of sleep per night for healthy blood pressure and disease prevention. Costco has a variety of heart-healthy ingredients to help lower your blood pressure. Aside from adding these dietitian favorites to your Costco cart, try following the DASH diet, staying hydrated, exercising regularly and prioritizing sleep to help keep your blood pressure down. Read the original article on EATINGWELL
Medscape
6 hours ago
- Medscape
How Has COVID-19 Changed Obesity Prevalence in Canada?
The prevalence of BMI-defined obesity in Canada increased at a greater rate during the first 4 years after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic than during the 11 years before the pandemic, new research suggested. Laura N. Anderson, PhD Young women, who had a lower prevalence of obesity before the pandemic, showed a substantial increase in obesity prevalence and severity during the pandemic. 'We know the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in all sorts of changes in health behaviors,' study author Laura N. Anderson, PhD, assistant professor of health research methods, evidence, and impact at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, told Medscape Medical News . The findings were published on July 14 in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Changing Risk Factors 'It is expected that many of the risk factors for obesity, including changes in physical activity, increased sedentary time, and changes in dietary patterns and access to healthy foods for some individuals, have changed,' Anderson said. 'Other risk factors for obesity that also changed during the pandemic were mental health and increased risk for anxiety and depression. Even the stress that we were all experiencing at that time could also be a risk factor for obesity,' she added. The investigators examined data from the Canadian Community Health Survey to identify trends in the prevalence of obesity from January 2009 to March 2020 and from April 2020 to December 2023. They found that obesity prevalence increased from 24.95% in 2009 to 32.69% in 2023, indicating an absolute increase of 7.74%. After the pandemic started, obesity prevalence increased by just over 1% per year, which was about double the pre-pandemic rate of increase. The severity of obesity also increased. In 2009, the rate of Class I obesity was 17.38%; in 2023, it was 20.11%. During the same period, the rate of Class II obesity increased from 5.21% to 7.65%, and the rate of Class III obesity increased from 2.37% to 4.93%. During the COVID-19 pandemic and over the entire study period, the greatest increase in obesity prevalence was observed among younger adults. Young women experienced the greatest increases compared with other groups. The increase was nearly 9% overall and 13.11%-21.71% for women aged 18-29 years. The prevalence of obesity was highest among patients who self-identified as White or Black compared with those who identified as Asian ( P < .001). In addition, the prevalence of obesity tended to be lowest among people in the highest income quintile. 'One of the limitations of our study is that we relied on BMI as a measure of obesity, and BMI is not necessarily a perfect measure. It doesn't directly measure body fat, and we know that it doesn't measure health conditions. So, if you are a clinician evaluating individuals who may have obesity, it's important to investigate beyond just whether they have a high BMI,' Anderson said. Obesity is a complex condition with multiple causes, she added. 'There really is not a one-size-fits-all approach for prevention and treatment. We need to invest in public health to support healthy behaviors. We need the government to invest in health policies that promote healthy communities and the availability of healthy foods. And we need improved health systems for early treatment, in Canada in particular, as people sometimes have a hard time finding a primary care provider.' The Perfect Storm Commenting on the findings for Medscape Medical News, Lesley Lutes, PhD, director of the Center for Obesity and Well-Being Research Excellence at the University of British Columbia in Kelowna, British Columbia, said, 'The findings are expected, given research that showed how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted individual caloric intake, physical activity, and mental health.' Lutes did not participate in the research. Lesley Lutes, PhD 'The COVID-19 pandemic, unfortunately, was a perfect storm to impact all these things at the same time, which clearly impacted people's weight and level of risk,' she added. An unfortunate omission of the study was the exclusion of patients living in territories and on reservations, said Lutes. 'It really did not allow us to understand how indigenous individuals living on reservations or in the territories have been specifically or differentially impacted, but my guess is that this group would have fared even worse.' Lutes agreed that Canada must invest more to improve preventive mental and behavioral health care services. 'Canada is decades behind in investing in preventive mental and behavioral healthcare. This [investment] has been repeatedly shown to not just improve mental and physical health, but also reduce healthcare utilization, hospitalization, and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Such investment also improves the gross domestic product. Countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark have the highest levels of health and the highest levels of well-being and happiness.' In 2020, the Canadian Medical Association published a clinical practice guideline for the treatment of adults with obesity. 'The statement advised that people should stop being given exercise and nutrition recommendations and instead be given evidence-based cognitive behavioral therapy that helps address the root drivers for the behaviors impacting weight gain,' Lutes said. 'But we have not yet given our physicians the wherewithal to provide mental and behavioral health services as part of healthcare, and they can't do this unless they have access to these treatments. So, we let people who are overweight and obese languish for years and don't provide them weight management treatment, behavioral treatment, or cognitive behavioral therapy for depression. Instead, we provide millions of dollars in treatment for when they get cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease. Diabetes is the fastest-growing financial driver in the healthcare system. The answer is to go upstream and provide preventive mental and behavioral health care,' she said.
Washington Post
8 hours ago
- Washington Post
Do you use a fan to sleep? Here's what to know.
Is it true that a fan can help you sleep? Fans may help you sleep better for a couple of reasons: They can provide a cooling breeze and soothing white noise, sleep experts said. It is not, however, a one-size-fits-all approach as its success can depend on various factors, including how hot it is, the type of fan and whether a person has certain health conditions.
