Hot flashes are a sudden sensation of heat and warmth that is accompanied by sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and a flushed complexion. It is a common symptom associated with menopause, which occurs in women generally between 45 and 55 years of age and marks the end of the menstrual cycle. Many times, during an episode of hot flashes, an individual may experience symptoms that may be mistaken for heart-related issues. In fact, studies have also suggested an association between hot flashes and an increased risk of heart disease. But is there really a link? In this article, we will try to find that out with the help of available research and insights from Dr Seema Jain, Director-Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Shalimar Bagh.
Also Read: Signs and Symptoms of Menopause in Women
Hot Flashes In Menopausal Women
Menopause marks the end of the menstrual cycle, which also means that after menopause, a woman cannot become pregnant naturally. Most women in the menopausal stage will experience symptoms including mood changes, headaches, hair loss, anxiety, an increase in facial hair, night sweats, and more.
Hot flashes or hot flushes are also a common symptom in menopausal women, characterised by a sudden but brief, periodic increase in the body temperature, said Dr Jain. “In addition to an increase in the temperature of the skin, it may also cause an increase in a woman's heart rate, accompanied by heart palpitations and dizziness,” she added.
According to a study published in the Journal of Mid-Life Health, hot flushes affect approximately 85% of menopausal women.
The study added, "Approximately 25% of women continue to experience HFs after 5 years of attaining menopause, one-third of women continue to experience HFs even after 10 years of menopause, and 8% of women continue to experience HFs even after 20 years of menopause.”
The cause of hot flashes is changes in hormonal balance, particularly the decrease in oestrogen levels. During menopause, the body's fluctuating hormones impact the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that regulates body temperature. The hypothalamus perceives a need to cool down the body, leading to sudden, intense sensations of heat, often accompanied by symptoms like sweating and a rapid heartbeat, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Also Read: Heart Health: Symptoms Of Heart Attack Women Should Not Ignore
Is There A Link Between Hot Flashes And Heart Disease Risk?
According to Dr Jain, frequent or persistent hot flushes could be a sign of an increased risk for a heart attack or stroke.
In October 2022, at an annual gathering of the North American Menopause Society (NAMS), Rebecca Thurston, PhD, director of the Women's Biobehavioral Health Laboratory at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Public Health, presented an overview discussing the potential impact of hot flashes on the heart and brain.
Thurston sourced her presentation from two studies: the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation (SWAN), involving 3,300 middle-aged women across seven US research centres, and a 2016 University of Pittsburgh study published in the Journal Stroke, which encompassed 304 women.
It was found that women who experienced more vasomotor symptoms or hot flashes had a greater number of risk factors associated with heart disease, including high blood pressure, insulin resistance, diabetes, and high cholesterol levels. It also puts them at risk for atherosclerosis, which is the narrowing of the blood vessels due to plaque buildup.
Hot Flashes And Heart Attack
Having hot flashes does not indicate an impending heart attack, said Dr Jain.
As discussed, hot flashes occur due to hormonal changes, such as those that occur during menopause. They are generally a result of the body's response to fluctuations in oestrogen levels and are not directly related to heart problems.
However, some symptoms associated with hot flashes, such as a rapid heartbeat or palpitations, can be similar to symptoms that may occur during a heart attack, according to Dr Jain.
If you experience chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms that are concerning, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.
"Women should consult their healthcare provider to assess the overall risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular problems if they are having hot flashes," she concluded.