9 Sep 2025 : Menopause is one of the major health milestones in a woman’s life, a significant transition. It involves a lot of hormonal fluctuation as periods stop, bringing symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings that many are familiar with. But these hormonal shifts also tend to pose a more fatal risk, too: a heart attack.
To understand why menopausal women become vulnerable to heart attacks, HT Lifestyle spoke to Dr Anand R Shenoy, consultant- interventional cardiology, Manipal Hospital, Old Airport Road, who revealed that the sharp decrease in estrogen after menopause is one of the culprits. Estrogen is a vital hormone that helps support heart health.
Explaining more about how estrogen’s dip plays a role in surging the risks, the cardiologist said, ”Estrogen helps keep blood vessels relaxed, increases blood flow, and lowers bad cholesterol levels. As estrogen levels fall dramatically, blood pressure rises, cholesterol levels shift, and fat increases around the heart, all of which lead to a greater risk of heart attack. Menopause-related symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats have been associated with cardiac disease.”
To add to this, heart attacks in women are stealthy and tricky. According to Dr Shenoy, women have a ‘lower perception of the risks.’ This is alarming as it leads to underdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis. Primarily because the symptoms are not always traditional, they are a bit different and may even overlap with other health conditions.
The cardiologist further added how women can be more aware,
“To help avoid cardiovascular event possibilities, women should track their blood pressure weekly; participate in annual comprehensive cardiac screenings; recognise the signs and symptoms of a heart attack; and follow advice with proactive lifestyle changes. Tracking of signs and symptoms can provide early intervention and heart attack prevention during these vulnerable periods.”
Summary (25 words): A cardiologist highlighted heightened heart attack risks post-menopause, urging women to watch for warning signs such as neck pain, irregular heartbeats, chest discomfort, and fatigue.