Menopause is a natural biological transition that marks the end of a woman’s reproductive years, but the hormonal changes associated with it can also affect cardiovascular health. Menopause is generally confirmed after a person with functioning ovaries has gone 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period. While menopause itself is not a disease, declining oestrogen levels during the transition can coincide with changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, body composition and blood-vessel function. These changes can contribute to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease as women grow older. Cardiovascular surgeon Dr Jeremy London, who has more than 25 years of experience, has highlighted several heart-related risks women should be aware of during and after menopause.

One major concern is an increase in cholesterol and other changes in blood lipids. Oestrogen has several effects on the cardiovascular system, and its decline around menopause can be associated with a less favourable lipid profile. In some women, levels of low-density lipoprotein, commonly referred to as LDL or “bad” cholesterol, may rise, while protective high-density lipoprotein cholesterol can also change. Elevated LDL can contribute to the formation of plaque inside arteries over time. This process, known as atherosclerosis, can narrow or stiffen blood vessels and increase the risk of conditions such as coronary artery disease. Regular monitoring of cholesterol therefore becomes increasingly important as women move through midlife and beyond.

A second risk is rising blood pressure. Blood pressure can increase with age for several reasons, and the menopause transition may coincide with changes that make hypertension more common. Higher blood pressure places additional strain on the heart and blood vessels and, when it remains uncontrolled, can damage arteries over time. Hypertension is often described as a “silent” condition because many people do not experience obvious symptoms even when their readings are persistently elevated. Women going through menopause should therefore not assume that symptoms such as hot flashes or sleep disruption are the only health concerns associated with the transition. Periodic blood-pressure checks can help identify hypertension early and allow appropriate management.

Also Read: Phone in Left Shirt Pocket Not Linked to Heart Rhythm Issues, Says Cardiologist

A third concern is the accumulation of abdominal or visceral fat and associated metabolic changes. Hormonal changes during menopause can alter where the body stores fat, with some women experiencing a shift towards greater abdominal fat. Visceral fat is metabolically active and is associated with insulin resistance, abnormal cholesterol levels and other cardiovascular risk factors. Weight gain itself is not inevitable during menopause, but changes in body composition can occur even when overall weight changes only modestly. Maintaining regular physical activity, following a balanced diet and limiting excess calories, particularly from highly processed foods and added sugars, can help support cardiovascular and metabolic health during this stage of life.

These individual changes matter because cardiovascular disease remains an important health concern for women, particularly as they age. Heart disease does not suddenly begin at menopause, and not every woman will experience the same changes or develop cardiovascular disease. Instead, menopause can be viewed as a period when existing risk factors may become more apparent or when the overall cardiovascular risk profile can change. Family history, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, physical inactivity and obesity can all influence an individual’s risk. Women with these risk factors should discuss appropriate screening and prevention strategies with their healthcare providers rather than attributing new symptoms or health changes solely to menopause.

The transition through menopause therefore offers an opportunity to pay closer attention to long-term cardiovascular health. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and cholesterol, maintaining a healthy level of physical activity, eating a nutrient-rich diet, avoiding tobacco and managing conditions such as diabetes can all contribute to reducing cardiovascular risk. Women should also seek prompt medical attention for symptoms that could indicate a heart problem, including chest pressure or pain, unexplained shortness of breath, fainting or unusual fatigue, particularly when symptoms are new or severe. Menopause is a normal stage of life, but the accompanying changes make preventive healthcare increasingly important. Understanding how hormonal and metabolic changes can affect the heart can help women and their doctors identify modifiable risks and take appropriate steps to protect cardiovascular health.

Also Read: Dr London Warns Smoking And Vaping Can Damage Organs Throughout The Entire Body