Heart Disease in Women After Menopause: The Importance of Therapy

As you age, your risk of developing heart disease increases, especially if you are a menopausal or post-menopausal woman. In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women over the age of 50. 

Many factors affect the chances of developing heart disease in women vs. men. That’s why it’s crucial to understand the causes of heart disease in women after menopause and what you can do to prevent it. 

Of course, many risk factors for developing heart disease, a form of cardiovascular disease (CVD), have to do with your changing body. But don’t discount the importance of mental health and heart disease. There is most certainly a link between the two. 

That’s why it’s vital to take care of both your physical and mental health as a menopausal woman. 

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The Importance of Understanding the Increased Risk of Heart Disease in Women

A recent survey by the American Heart Association revealed that while roughly half of the women surveyed were aware that heart disease is the leading cause of death in women, only 13% believed it to be their most significant health risk. 

That seems strange, doesn’t it?

These same women surveyed said they were more worried about getting breast cancer even though they are more likely to be afflicted by heart disease. This may be because breast cancer affects women of many ages, while heart disease tends to prey on women post-menopausal. As a society, we emphasize the importance of breast health (which is important) but not as much on heart health. 

That needs to change. 

It may not be great news that you are more at risk of developing CVD as a menopausal or post-menopausal woman. It seems a little unfair that you have to go through so many changes in your physical body and have an increased risk of heart disease in women vs. men.

I don’t disagree. 

But the good news is that heart disease is preventable. And the first step to prevention is arming yourself with the knowledge you need to combat this number one killer of women. As the saying goes, “knowledge is power,” so it’s essential to understand how great of a risk heart disease in women is to make the necessary changes to prevent it. 

Heart Disease and Menopause: Contributing Factors

The most common contributing factors of heart disease in menopausal and post-menopausal women include the following:

• Age: As previously mentioned, your chances of developing heart disease increase as you age. Because the average age of menopause is around 51 years old, your chances of developing CVD are greater after transitioning through this stage of your life.

• Decreased estrogen levels: With menopause comes a decline in estrogen levels leading to adverse changes in crucial cardiovascular functions. Estrogen is extremely beneficial to your cardiovascular system and plays a role in maintaining healthy blood vessels, promoting favorable cholesterol levels, and reducing inflammation. This is why the differences between heart disease in women vs. men are so vastly different. 

• Changes in lipid profile: After menopause, you may experience an increase in total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol (“bad cholesterol), and triglycerides. And to make matters worse, your “good” cholesterol levels, HDL cholesterol, may decrease. This combination could lead to plaque buildup in your arteries (atherosclerosis), increasing your risk of heart disease.

• Hypertension: High blood pressure is one of the most significant risk factors for developing heart disease. After menopause, the chances of developing high blood pressure, or hypertension, increase after menopause, simultaneously increasing the chances of heart disease.

• Metabolic syndrome and obesity: Another unfortunate thing women after menopause often experience is the likelihood of developing metabolic syndrome. This is a cluster of conditions, including increased abdominal fat, high blood pressure, high blood sugar, and abnormal lipid levels.

• Lifestyle factors: One of the greatest things you can do for yourself is to practice healthy lifestyle habits. Having a poor diet and exercise regimen, smoking, and excessive alcohol consumption is a recipe for disaster when it comes to your heart health.

How Therapy for Women Supports the Fight Against Heart Disease in Women After Menopause

It may seem like the fight against heart disease in women after menopause is an uphill battle. While genetic elements may play into your development of some of the contributing factors listed above, taking an active role in your physical and mental well-being is one of the best things you can do to ensure you stay as healthy as possible. 

There are some physical things you can do to help prevent heart disease after menopause, including the following:

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
• Medications (depending on your risk profile)
• Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity
• Getting regular check-ups

But something you may neglect regarding heart disease and menopause is working toward and maintaining your mental health. 

A 2021 statement in a popular American Heart Association journal states that negative psychological factors, personality traits, and mental disorders can harm your cardiovascular health. However, studies have also shown the opposite to be true: positive psychological attributes have actually been linked to a lower risk of cardiovascular disease. 

Conditions like depression, chronic stress, anxiety, anger, pessimism, and life dissatisfaction can significantly increase your risk of developing heart disease. 

That’s why getting high-quality therapy for women is an excellent way to help combat heart disease.

Partner With Me, Dr. Dashtban, For Improved Cardiovascular and Mental Health

I know that achieving and maintaining improved mental health isn’t something that happens overnight. But it’s important to understand that it can happen.

Life gets busy, hectic, and stressful. Sometimes procrastination, depression, family responsibilities, and prioritizing others’ needs get in the way of maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle. 

And sometimes, trauma from your past leaves you feeling pessimistic about your life and your attempts at getting healthier. Or perhaps your diet and exercise efforts manifest a re-enactment of sorts of previous times of trauma. Of course, that will impede your chances of sticking with healthy lifestyle practices.

That’s why you must seek help. I want to help you stick to a healthy lifestyle to keep your heart healthy and prevent heart disease after menopause. 

One of my specialties is therapy for women. Of course, being a woman myself, I can empathize with you and many of your struggles. But I also have 20 years of experience in the therapeutic field to pull from. My extensive research and practical experience in the women’s health field allow me to connect with you genuinely, compassionately, and powerfully. 

Contact me to learn more about how I can become your ally in your battle against developing heart disease through therapy for women in California and Ontario. I want to guide you in your journey to wellness and help you sort out what is getting in the way of maintaining your mental and heart health.

Contact Me Today!