Menopause and Heart Health

Healthy blood pressure is important at every age. For women, blood pressure becomes even more important as they approach menopause and during the years that follow as their risk of high blood pressure goes up. Some research suggests that higher levels of the hormone estrogen during the reproductive years, especially estradiol (a form of estrogen), help keep the heart healthy. As estrogen levels drop with age, women are more likely to have heart problems. Gaining weight and being less active can also increase the risk of high blood pressure during menopause.

After menopause, a majority of women are diagnosed with high blood pressure. High blood pressure affects 75% of women aged 60 or older. Blood pressure can greatly influence heart health, and high blood pressure can be a warning sign of other health problems. Keeping track of your blood pressure, noticing any changes, and talking to your health care provider are important steps you can take to protect your heart health.

Stages of Menopause

People often talk about menopause as one stage in life. However, menopause generally occurs in three phases:

1. Perimenopause: The time leading up to menopause and can start several years before your last period. During perimenopause, your hormone levels change, causing symptoms such as hot flashes and irregular periods. This can begin as early as age 40. Nearly 50% of women ages 40-59 have high blood pressure.
2. Menopause: Happens when you permanently stop getting periods after the ovaries stop producing hormones, and you can’t get pregnant naturally anymore. You are in menopause if you haven’t had any bleeding, even spotting, for 12 months straight after the ovaries stop producing hormones. In the U.S., most women go through menopause between ages 45 and 55, with the average age being 52. Studies show that about 30% of women experience a significant rise in blood pressure during menopause.
3. Postmenopause: The time after menopause and lasts for the rest of your life. You may still have menopausal symptoms during this time. About 75% of women age 60 and older have high blood pressure.

Additional Risks and Strategies for Controlling High Blood Pressure

Many other factors can also increase a person’s risk for high blood pressure. Some of these factors, such as age, family history, and certain health conditions, cannot be controlled. However, you can take action in many areas to control your blood pressure. Whether you’re approaching menopause or you’ve already reached it, it’s always a good time to adopt habits that support your overall heart health. Here are some tips to begin or maintain heart healthy habits:

1. Choose foods that are lower in salt (sodium) and rich in potassium, such as fruits and vegetables.
2. Avoid or limit alcohol.
3. Get regular physical activity.
4. Aim for a healthy weight.
5. Quit smoking and vaping.
6. Control your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
7. Manage stress.
8. Get enough good-quality sleep.
9. See a health care provider for routine checkups and screenings.

If lifestyle changes are not enough to lower your blood pressure, your health care provider can prescribe medication and work with you to develop a treatment plan.

Stories from Women with Lived Experience

Monique, a cancer survivor, began having high blood pressure during menopause. She has lived with heart disease for 20 years, including heart failure, and received a heart transplant, but continues to advocate for her own heart health and encourages other women to do the same. Read more about Monique’s journey.

View larger image

View larger image

View larger image