Role Of Hormones In Heart Health: Expert Explains Why Women's Cardiovascular Risk Increases With Age

As a woman, you must have heard about the importance of hormones in carrying out various bodily functions. However, did you know that hormones also have a key role in maintaining heart health? Not only this, hormonal changes with age also increase the risk of heart issues in women. These changes often go unnoticed, making it important for women to understand how they affect their hearts and what steps can help. We spoke to Dr A Nagesh, Consultant Cardiac Surgeon, Clinical Director MICS and Heart Transplant, CARE Hospitals, Banjara Hills, Hyderabad, who shared insights into how these hormonal shifts influence heart health and what women can do to stay proactive and protect their well-being.

Role of Hormones in Heart Health

“Hormones play a key role in keeping our bodies working right, including the health of the heart and blood vessels. Oestrogen helps relax blood arteries during a woman's reproductive years, increasing blood flow and lowering blood pressure,” said Dr Nagesh.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA) Journals, oestrogen affects many aspects of heart and blood vessel health. It helps regulate how blood vessels work, reduces inflammation, influences metabolism and insulin sensitivity, and supports the health of heart muscle cells and stem cells. It also plays a role in preventing the heart from becoming enlarged.

"Not only this, it increases levels of the 'good' cholesterol, High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL), and decreases the 'bad' cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL). Oestrogen also has anti-inflammatory properties that protect the inner wall of blood vessels," added Dr Nagesh.

Menopause and Rising Heart Risks

Menopause is a big hormonal change in a woman's life. Losing oestrogen starts a chain reaction with direct effects on the heart. Here are some effects listed by the expert:

• Unbalanced cholesterol: Post-menopausal women often see an increase in LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, along with a decrease in HDL cholesterol. This bad lipid profile boosts the danger of atherosclerosis (building up of fatty plaques in the arteries).

• Higher blood pressure: The drop in oestrogen's ability to relax blood vessels can lead to stiffer arteries, resulting in higher blood pressure and more strain on the heart.

• Weight gain and metabolic shifts: Hormonal changes contribute to changes in where body fat gathers, often leading to weight gain around the middle, both major risk factors for heart disease.

• Increased inflammation: The loss of oestrogen's anti-inflammatory role can result in increased vascular inflammation, further boosting cardiovascular risk.

A 2023 study found that women who had their last period before turning 45 face a greater overall risk of ischemic heart disease and a higher chance of death from it. This risk is even greater for women who go through early menopause (between 40-45 years old) or premature menopause (before 40 years old).

Noticing Symptoms in Women

One challenge in addressing women's heart health is that symptoms of heart disease often surface differently in women than in men. While men typically experience classic signs like chest pain, women may report:

• Unexplained fatigue that makes ordinary tasks feel difficult to complete

• Shortness of breath, even during light physical activity

• Having discomfort in the neck, jaw, back, or shoulders

• Feeling nauseated or dizzy for no clear reason

Proactive Measures for a Healthy Heart

While the hormonal changes that come with ageing are inevitable, there are proactive steps women can take to mitigate their risk:

• Regular Health Checkups: Routine screening for blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood sugar helps identify and address risks early.

• A Heart-Healthy Diet: Choosing a diet rich in fruits, veggies, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats supports cardiovascular wellness. Reducing salt and sugar intake matters too.

• Physical Activity: Engaging in at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, like brisk walking, helps maintain a healthy weight, boosts circulation and strengthens the heart.

• Managing Stress: Chronic stress can also contribute to unhealthy heart health. Mindfulness, yoga, deep breathing and other relaxation methods are effective tools for lowering stress levels.

• Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT): For some women, HRT may alleviate menopausal symptoms and offer heart benefits, but risks and benefits vary - discuss options with your healthcare provider.

• Quitting Smoking and Limiting Alcohol: Eliminating smoking and drinking alcohol in moderation is crucial for cutting cardiovascular risk.

Role of Healthcare Providers

“The importance of healthcare providers in supporting women's heart health should not be overlooked. Doctors should engage patients in open conversations about symptoms, risks, and lifestyle changes beyond routine screenings,” said Dr Nagesh.

Bottomline

Dr Nagesh concluded, “Doctors play an important role in helping women as they age, especially in caring for their heart health. Along with regular check-ups, healthcare providers should openly talk with women about symptoms, risks, and lifestyle changes they can make to stay healthy. Learning about lifestyle factors that can be changed and making small adjustments can also lower these risks.”

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/role-of-hormones-in-heart-health-and-why-women-face-greater-risk-with-age-12977823527