Menopausal Women May be at a Greater Risk for Heart Disease
By Donna Parker • May 20th, 2010 • Category: Health Articles, Health News, Heart Health, Thursday Edition
Women who may be experiencing estrogen dominance during menopause may want to stay in contact with a physician, as a new study finds that women who are going through menopausal changes may have a greater risk for heart disease.
According to researchers from Northwestern Memorial Hospital, the risk of developing heart disease intensifies immensely when women begin their menopausal cycle, which normally occurs around the age of 50.
"Many women younger than 50 have not yet gone through menopause and still have high levels of the female hormone estrogen in their blood, which is thought to help protect the heart," said Vera Rigolin, M.D. "After menopause, however, the levels of estrogen in a woman’s body drop significantly and can contribute to the higher risks of cardiovascular disease."
One of the reasons for the increased risk is that some of the symptoms associated with menopause, such as weight gain, may be detrimental to heart health. Putting on a few extra pounds may leave a woman more susceptible to high blood pressure and diabetes, in addition to heart problem.
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