What Is The Link Between Menopause And Increased Heart Risk In Women ?

By Vanshika Gaur
08 Jul 2025, 11:00 IST

Menopause is when the woman is no longer able to menstruate and face various hormonal changes, especially a drop in oestrogen levels that can increase the risk of heart diseases. From oestrogen decline to sleep issues, there are various reasons behind it. Tap to know them!

Oestrogen Decline

As the oestrogen reduces, it loses the ability to protect the heart and is unable to maintain healthy cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart diseases.

Mood Disorder And Stress

After menopause, women often experience mood swings like anxiety, emotional stress, and more, which can spike cortisol levels affecting heart health.

High Blood Pressure

Many women experience high blood pressure after menopause due to hormonal changes, which can increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Atrial Fibrillation

The hormonal shifts due to low oestrogen during menopause can cause irregular heartbeats, increasing the risk of arrhythmia like atrial fibrillation.

Insulin Resistance

During menopause, the body may become resistant to insulin, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, which can affect heart health.

Increases Bad Cholesterol

After menopause, women may have increased bad cholesterol (LDL) and reduced good cholesterol (HDL), leading to plaque buildup in arteries.

Sleep Issues

Menopause comes with sleep issues like insomnia or sleep apnoea, which can increase blood pressure and inflammation, harming the heart health.

Information Credits

According to PubMed, menopause can increase the risk of heart diseases due to atrial fibrillation, oestrogen decline, sleep issues, and more. It is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised suggestions.