Menopause Increases Heart Risk – Know the Signs Early
Heart disease becomes more common after menopause. Estrogen drops. Arteries may stiffen. Blood pressure rises. These changes can lead to a higher risk of heart attack, stroke, or long-term artery problems.
At BaleDoneen, we help women understand how menopause & heart risk are linked and what steps to take now.
Why Hormonal Changes Affect the Heart
Estrogen helps protect the arteries. It supports blood flow and keeps inflammation low. After menopause, this protection fades. This is part of why postmenopausal heart risk rises sharply.
You may notice:
These may be cardiovascular symptoms of menopause, not just aging.

Early Menopause Raises the Risk More
Women who go through menopause & heart risk before age 45 face more danger. Early menopause and heart disease are closely tied. That’s because their body loses the heart benefits of estrogen too soon.
Regular testing becomes more important at that stage. Even if you feel fine, the risk may be building inside your arteries.
Also Learn: Pregnancy Related Heart Conditions!
Heart Palpitations and Menopause
Many women report a fluttering heartbeat during menopause. These heart palpitations can feel like skipped beats or sudden thumps in the chest. Some are mild. Some feel scary.
Palpitations may be tied to hormonal shifts or low magnesium. Many patients ask about heart palpitations, menopause & heart risk, and magnesium. It’s something worth checking with your provider.
Blood Pressure and Cholesterol After Menopause
Menopause and high blood pressure often go hand in hand. Blood vessels may become stiffer. The body also holds more salt. Both of these can raise blood pressure.
Menopause cholesterol levels may also rise. LDL (“bad” cholesterol) can go up. HDL (“good” cholesterol) can drop. These changes are part of hormonal changes and heart disease.
We track these numbers closely in women over 50.
Estrogen’s Role in Artery Health
There are protective effects of estrogen on the heart, especially before menopause & heart risk. These include:
Once estrogen drops, these benefits fade. We focus on managing this change before damage sets in.
Menopause and Arterial Stiffness
As estrogen drops, arteries may harden. This is called arterial stiffness. It can raise blood pressure and reduce blood flow to the heart. Over time, this makes heart attacks more likely.
We look at blood pressure, test for inflammation, and use imaging to catch early damage. Here you can learn about BaleDoneen Method.
What You Can Do to Lower Risk
Here are simple steps to protect your heart after menopause:
These steps help reduce your menopause and cardiovascular disease risk.