Menopause Raises Women’s Risk of Heart Disease

Menopause is a phase that every woman must go through as they age. Usually occurring between 45 – 55 years of age, menopause is diagnosed after a woman has gone one whole year without a menstrual period.

In a recent media interview, Dr Goh Ping Ping, Chairperson of the Singapore Heart Foundation Go Red for Women campaign, shared that “the risk of heart disease in women increases after menopause due to a drop in the female hormone oestrogen.”

Oestrogen has a good effect on the inner layer of the artery wall, helping to keep blood vessels flexible to accommodate blood flow. Oestrogen also has a protective effect against hypertension and high cholesterol.”

“Prevention against cardiovascular disease should start as early as possible, even though the risk of such diseases in women increases after menopause,” said Dr Goh. “Women should not wait till they are in their 40s before making heart health their priority. Early risk assessment and early detection of risk factors are important, as well as early adoption of a healthy diet and exercise.”

So, let’s Go Red and join the fight to treat your heart right!