Heart health through menopause

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the United States. The American Heart Association notes that the menopause transition is a time of accelerating cardiovascular risk, with changes in cholesterol, body fat distribution and blood vessel health. Knowing your blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, and focusing on activity, nutrition, sleep and not smoking, all lower risk.

Checks worth knowing

• Blood pressure.
• Cholesterol (lipid panel).
• Blood sugar (A1C or fasting glucose).
• Weight and waist size.

Heart attack symptoms in women

Chest pain or discomfort is the most common symptom, but women are somewhat more likely to also have shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting, and pain in the back, jaw or neck.

When to talk with a healthcare professional

• You have not had your blood pressure, cholesterol or blood sugar checked recently.
• You have a family history of early heart disease, or had high blood pressure or diabetes during pregnancy.

When to get prompt care

• Call 911 for chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, pain spreading to the arm, back, jaw or neck, sudden weakness on one side, or sudden trouble speaking.

How Dot can help

Dot helps you track daily habits and symptoms and notice patterns over time. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe; for clinical care, Kindr Care connects you with licensed clinicians.

How Dot works · Kindr Care clinical care

Related topics

• Lipid panel (cholesterol)
• A1C test
• Metabolic health
• Muscle & strength
• Postmenopause

Sources

1. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Women and Heart Disease.
2. American Heart Association. Menopause Transition and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: Implications for Timing of Early Prevention. Circulation 2020;142:e506–e532 (2020).

This page is educational and not medical advice. Dot does not diagnose or prescribe. See our editorial policy.