Heart disease

What about it?

Heart disease is still the leading cause of death among Malaysian women and there is a significant number of patients who fall victim to this disease after menopause.

Menopausal women face increased risk of getting heart disease, which is typically attributed to unhealthy lifestyle habits such as obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of exercise, high cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

High oestrogen levels in younger women help to keep the inner walls of the arteries more flexible, allowing blood vessels to expand and relax to facilitate blood flow.

Women who have reached menopause do not reap these positive effects as their oestrogen levels have gone down dramatically.

As a result, blood vessels and heart tissue lose this protection and are now exposed to damage caused by smoking, alcohol, cholesterol and fats.

What do I do?

It is crucial for women to begin taking charge of their cardiovascular health once they reach menopause. Smoking is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, hence quitting will improve cardiovascular health and blood circulation.

Consume alcohol in moderation. Women should also reduce foods that are high in saturated and trans fats, sodium and sugars. Instead, opt for foods that are rich in dietary fibre, protein, omega fatty acids, vitamins and minerals.

Post- menopausal women should also engage in mild to moderate cardiovascular activities such as aerobic exercises and brisk walks.

Relieving stress also goes a long way in preventing stress- related heart disease. Yoga is a great meditation and relaxation technique for post- menopausal women.