Things that are obvious to me as a cardiologist, but most women don't know... Menopause doesn't cause heart disease, but it can change your heart risk. I'm Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiologist who chaired an American Heart Association guideline, and this is something I wish every woman understood before menopause, not only after it happens. So share this video. When women think about menopause, many think about hot flashes, mood changes, or trouble sleeping. And those are important parts of the menopause transition, but there's much more Menopause is a natural stage of life when the ovaries gradually produce less estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone that helps regulate many functions in the body. It supports the health of blood vessels and plays a role in many tissues throughout the body. As estrogen levels decrease, some of the protection it provides to the cardiovascular system can change. At the same time, normal aging brings its own changes. The body may begin storing fat differently. Some women notice more fat around the abdomen. It may become harder to maintain muscle. Cholesterol levels and blood pressure can also change during this stage of life. These changes do not mean menopause causes heart disease. What they mean is that menopause is an important time to pay closer attention to your heart health. Your heart risk is never determined by one thing alone. Blood pressure matters. Cholesterol matters. Blood sugar matters. Your activity level, sleep, eating habits, family history, and age all play a role. That is why the years around menopause are such an important opportunity to protect your heart.
If I could ask every woman to do one important thing for her heart, it would be this: know your blood pressure numbers. I'm Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiologist, and I know it's a common mistake to think: "I feel fine, so my blood pressure must be okay." But high blood pressure often does not feel like anything is wrong. It can slowly build up over time without causing pain, headaches, or warning signs. That is why doctors often call it the "silent killer." A person can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it, while it is quietly putting extra stress on the body. Think about your heart like a pump that pushes blood through tiny tubes called blood vessels. Just like a water pump pushes water through pipes, your heart pushes blood through these tubes every time it beats If the pressure inside these “tubes” becomes too high, like water flowing too forcefully through a pipe, it can slowly damage the inside walls of the blood vessels over time. But too much pressure over many years can make this protective layer stop working as well. When that happens, cholesterol can more easily build up inside the artery walls. Over time, this can create a buildup called plaque, which can make it harder for blood to flow. High blood pressure also makes your heart work harder than it should. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack every day. At first, you might handle it, but after a long time it can become exhausting. The same thing can happen to your heart. The main pumping chamber, called the left ventricle, can become thicker because it is working so hard. Over time, this can make the heart less effective and increase the chance of heart problems. High blood pressure can also harm the tiny blood vessels that help your brain, kidneys, and eyes work properly. That is why it can increase the risk of problems like stroke, kidney disease, and vision damage. The good news is that high blood pressure can be found and treated. But the only way to know your blood pressure is to check it.
If I could ask every woman to do one important thing for her heart, it would be this: know your blood pressure numbers. I'm Dr. Martha Gulati, a preventive cardiologist, and a common thing I hear is: "I feel fine, so my blood pressure must be okay." But high blood pressure can be dangerous because it often has no warning signs. It can slowly rise over time without pain or symptoms. That is why doctors often describe it as a condition that can go unnoticed for years. Someone can have high blood pressure for years without knowing it, while it quietly puts extra stress on the body. Think about your heart like a pump pushing blood through tiny tubes called blood vessels. When the pressure inside those tubes stays too high for a long time, it can slowly damage them. The inside of blood vessels has a protective layer that helps them work properly. Too much pressure over time can affect how well this layer functions. Over time, this can make it easier for cholesterol to build up inside the artery walls, creating plaque that can reduce blood flow. High blood pressure also makes your heart work harder. Imagine carrying a heavy backpack every day. At first, it feels okay, but after a long time, it becomes exhausting. The same can happen to your heart. Working harder for many years can make the heart muscle thicker and increase the risk of heart problems. High blood pressure can also damage the tiny blood vessels that help your brain, kidneys, and eyes work properly. That is why it can increase the risk of stroke, kidney problems, and vision damage. The good news is that high blood pressure can be found and treated. The only way to know your blood pressure is to check it. A healthcare professional can help you understand your blood pressure readings and what your personal goal should be. Healthy habits and, when needed, prescribed medicine can help control blood pressure and protect your health. You do not have to wait until you feel sick to take care of your heart. Know your blood pressure numbers. They can reveal an important warning about your health before your body gives you a sign.