Exploring the link between the menopause and cardiovascular disease
Wednesday 18 October is World Menopause Day.
Imagine you're sitting in a lovely cafe in Barnet, enjoying a cup of herbal tea with friends. You're all laughing and chatting, and you're feeling great! But then one of your friends mentions that she's worried about the health of her heart. She's going through the menopause, and she knows that this means she has an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD).
This worries you too because you're also going through the menopause, but neither of you are certain about what you can do to reduce your risk of CVD.
Let's explore the link between CVD risk factors and menopause in women living in Barnet.
What is CVD?
CVD is a general term for all diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels. It's the leading cause of death in women in the UK.
Why are women in menopause at an increased risk of CVD?
There are a few reasons why women in menopause are at an increased risk of CVD. First, menopause causes a drop in oestrogen levels. Oestrogen is a hormone that helps to protect the heart and blood vessels.
Second, menopause can lead to other changes that can increase the risk of CVD, such as weight gain, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.
What can women in menopause do to reduce their risk of CVD?
There are a few things that women in menopause can do to reduce their risk of CVD, including:
- Eating a healthy diet
- Exercising regularly
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Quitting smoking
- Reducing the amount of alcohol that you drink
- Managing stress
- Getting regular health checkups and screenings
CVD Risk Factors and Menopause in Barnet
The London Borough of Barnet is a diverse community, with people from all over the world. This diversity is reflected in the CVD risk factors that are most common in Barnet women.
Women of South Asian descent for example, are at an increased risk of CVD, due to factors such as increased risk of high blood pressure and cholesterol. Other factors that can affect women’s risk of CVD include having access to healthcare and health checks, and access to healthy food.
What can we do to support women in Barnet in reducing their risk of CVD?
There are a few things that we can do to support women in Barnet in reducing their risk of CVD, including:
- Raising awareness of the link between CVD risk factors and menopause
- Providing access to healthy food and physical activity opportunities
- Supporting women to quit smoking, reduce alcohol and manage stress
- Ensuring that women have access to regular checkups and screenings
In the end...
CVD is a serious health risk for women in menopause, but there are things that women can do to reduce their risk. By working together, we can support women in Barnet in living long and healthy lives.
Now, back to the story!
You and your friends finish your herbal tea and head out the cafe. You're feeling more informed about CVD risk factors and menopause, and you're committed to making some changes in your life to reduce your risk.
You know that you're not alone in this. There are many women in Barnet who are facing the same challenges. But by working together, we can make a difference.
So, what are you waiting for? Start today by making one small change to improve your heart health. It could be something as simple as eating an extra serving of vegetables or taking a walk around the block. Every little bit helps.