Antigo Times

Top Menu

  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

Main Menu

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Best of 2023
  • E-Editions
  • Contact Us

logo

Antigo Times

  • News
    • Business
  • Covid 19
  • Opinion
  • Courts
  • Arts & Ent
  • Sports
    • Sports News
    • High School Sports Scores
  • Classifieds
    • View Ads
    • Place Ads
  • Legal Ads
    • Our Legals
    • Statewide
  • Obits
  • Best of 2023
FeaturedHealth
Home›Featured›Staying Heart-Healthy in Menopause

Staying Heart-Healthy in Menopause

By Natasha Winkler
February 20, 2023
0
0
medical stethoscope with red paper heart on white surface

                                                   February is American Heart Month

FOR ANTIGO TIMES

Everyone faces an increased risk for heart disease as they get older, but the increase is sharper for women after menopause, according to the American Heart Association (AHA). That’s why it’s vital that women put extra importance on their heart health as they approach middle age.

“Menopause itself doesn’t cause heart disease, but the changes occurring during that time can put a woman at higher risk,” says Colleen Lane, MD, Aspirus Interventional Cardiologist.

According to the AHA, women at midlife may experience a decline in estrogen levels, sleep problems, increased cholesterol levels, hot flashes and night sweats, increased body fat around the organs, depression, and stiffening or weakening of the blood vessels. All these factors can contribute to the development of heart disease and increases the risk for heart attack and stroke.

“It’s important that women start taking care of their heart health as early as possible to reduce their risk for heart disease and enjoy a longer, healthier life,” says Dr. Lane.

How you can lower your risk

No matter your age, you can take care of your heart by following healthy habits. These healthy habits include:

  1. Getting screened. Women should continue to have regular checkups with their health care professional, and regular heart health screenings are important to maintaining a healthy heart.

    The AHA recommends getting your :
  • Cholesterol checked every five years
  • Blood pressure checked at least every two years
  • Blood glucose levels checked every three years
  • Waist circumference checked as needed
  • Body mass index checked during every regular health care visit
  1. Not smoking. Smoking contributes to lower HDL levels and increases the risk for blood clots associated with heart disease.
  1. Following a diet high in nutrient-rich foods. That means eating meals that feature plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish, and nuts. Healthier eating translates into efficient heart function and overall well-being.
  1. Getting regular physical activity. Women should aim for at least 150 minutes of physical activity per week to help lower their risk of heart disease.
  1. Focus on your mental well-being. Depression is linked to almost double the risk of stroke in middle-aged women. If you’ve been feeling down, depressed or hopeless, or have lost interest or pleasure in things you do, talk to your health care provider right away.

Dr. Lane also suggests finding healthy ways to manage stress, saying it “can increase blood pressure and even lower HDL, or ‘good,’ cholesterol levels.” The AHA recommends practicing relaxation techniques, finding a hobby, spending time with friends and family, and getting enough sleep.

  1. Taking meds, if needed. Take cholesterol-lowering medications, such as statins, if prescribed by your doctor.

Talk to your health care provider about your risk factors and how to prevent heart before, during and after menopause.

Tagsheart
Previous Article

Community Donation

Next Article

Winter storm expected to impact travel tonight ...

Related articles More from author

  • BusinessHealth

    Health Insurance Coverage: A Message from the USDA

    January 5, 2015
    By Dan Turczynski, Editor
  • HealthNews

    Renewing disabled parking cards made easier

    April 15, 2015
    By Antigo Times
  • HealthNews

    Celebrate World Red Cross Day by giving blood

    April 15, 2015
    By Antigo Times
  • Health

    Langlade County Healthy Ways: Guide to Workout Nutrition

    April 30, 2015
    By Antigo Times
  • HealthNews

    Red Cross, Nexcare Bandages and supermodel Niki Taylor celebrate World Blood Donor Day

    June 9, 2015
    By Antigo Times
  • HealthNews

    Red Cross To Install Smoke Alarms, Teach People Fire Safety In Rothschild & Two Wausau Neighborhoods

    June 12, 2015
    By Antigo Times

Leave a reply Cancel reply

Copyright © 2020 Multi Media Channels LLC.
All Rights Reserved. No part of this publication or any of its contents may be reproduced, copied, modified or adapted without the prior written consent of Multi Media Channels LLC.
×