subject: The Effects Of Menopause On Your Heart [print this page] The Effects Of Menopause On Your Heart The Effects Of Menopause On Your Heart
For most women the age fifty is quite significant.It it around that time that most women begin to experience changes in the body. These include night sweats, hot flashes and iritability to name a few. These sumptoms occur as the body begins to lose estrogen.This is the begining of menopause and may last for many years. The decreasing levels of estrogen also cause significant changes in the heart.It is considered that during childbearing years the woman's heart is protected by the high levels of estrogen.
Within the blood are two kinds of cholesterol also called fatty proteins.These are High Density Lipoprotein (HDL) also called the good protein and the Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL)also called the bad protein.It is believed that during and after menopause with the decrease of estrogen the HDL levels decrease amd the LDL levels increase.Within the heart are arteries that transport blood and oxygen to the heart muscle. With the rising levels of LDL in the blood stream during menopause, these bad cholesterol begin to deposit on the inner walls of the arteries of the heart. Overtime the lumen of the blood vessels become narrow thereby impeding the flow of blood. As this occur, the woman may experience mild to moderate chest pains, chest pressure, shortness of breath, palpitation, dizziness and sweating to name a few.These symptoms may occur with activity or at rest. If ignored they could lead to very serious heart attacks or death.
Living a healthy lifestyle will help in the prevention of heart disease. A heart healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, wholie grain and soy are some of the foods that are important in maintaining a healthy heart. A regular exercise routine three times a week for thirty minutes each will help to maintain healthy blood vessels and heart muscle. Brisk walks are encouraged for those women who are unable to engage in more strenuous exercises. Once a woman is diagnosed with Heart Disease, she should take all the steps neccessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This should include diet and regular exercise. It is important that she seeks medical care and is seen regularly by a cardiologist Who will recommend the treatment that is appropriate for her. Medications may be recommended at this stage. She should also feel confident in knowing that by seeking medical care she is well on her way to recovery.
The most effective treatment for heart disease is prevention. Early detection and treatment will greatly improve the woman's chance of living a long life free of most of the major complications of heart disease.A menopausal woman should therefore be proactive and take all the neccessary steps to ensure that she maintains a healthy heart.
