Sister to Sister

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Until age 55, a man and woman have the same risk of heart disease. But at 55, a woman’s body changes in ways that put her at increased risk.

• Most 55 year old women are experiencing or have already experienced menopause. Researchers suspect that the associated drop in women’s estrogen and progesterone production may be linked to heart disease.
• As women reach middle age, they tend to gain weight and develop other heart disease risk factors, including high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and a larger waist circumference.

What roles do hormones play?

As women reach menopause, their bodies begin to make less of the estrogen and progesterone hormones, ending menstruation and fertility.

• Estrogen and progesterone tend to raise HDL “good” cholesterol and lower total blood cholesterol. After menopause, this hormonal protection is gone, putting women at greater risk for high cholesterol.
• Research suggests that the hormonal changes of menopause may play a role in high blood pressure and increase factors that contribute to high blood pressure, such as salt sensitivity and weight gain.
• Changes in hormone levels can trigger fluctuations in blood sugar levels, increasing a woman’s risk of diabetes.

What about Menopausal Hormone Therapy?

Once thought to be a preventive measure for heart disease, researchers have learned that long-term use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal women poses serious risks and may increase the risk of heart attack or stroke. Research now shows that:

• Women with heart disease should not take HRT.
• Estrogen plus progestin therapy increases the risk of a heart attack during the first few years of use, as well as the risks of a stroke, blood clots, and breast cancer.
• Estrogen-only therapy will not prevent heart attacks.

If you are undergoing HRT, talk to your doctor about the pros and cons.

What else can you do to protect your heart?

Celebrate your age and remember that you’re never too old to get heart healthy. By embracing changes now, you can ensure a longer, better future. You can do it!