Women & Heart Health After 40: Why Awareness Matters More Than Ever

Why Blood Pressure Changes After Menopause

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death for women worldwide, yet awareness remains low. Many women don’t know what symptoms to look for, how their heart may change across menopause, or which tools can help them track their health at home.

Estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and supports healthy blood flow. As estrogen levels fall, blood vessels can become stiffer - a change known as reduced vascular elasticity. This can lead to higher blood pressure and increased cardiovascular risk.

Key facts you should know:

• 41% of women develop hypertension during or after menopause - almost double the rate seen before menopause.

• After age 60, fewer than half of women maintain healthy blood pressure levels.

• Increased salt sensitivity and changes in body composition, such as more abdominal fat, also contribute.
  

Did you know?
Many women mistake high blood pressure for a “menopause symptom” and don’t realise it needs to be monitored regularly.

Palpitations During Menopause: What They Really Mean

Many women notice their heart fluttering, racing, or skipping beats during menopause. These sensations - known as palpitations - are very common and affect up to 80% of women during the menopausal transition. They are linked to hormonal shifts, especially declining estrogen levels, which can influence heart rhythm and the body’s stress response.

How You Can Support Your Heart Health Today

Here are simple steps backed by specialists in women’s cardiovascular health:

• Regular monitoring: Tracking your blood pressure and heart rhythm at home helps identify changes early.

• Know your numbers: Healthy BP is generally around 120/80 mmHg, but your GP may provide personalised thresholds.

• Lifestyle changes: Movement, reducing salt, improving sleep, and managing stress all support cardiovascular health.

• Talk to your doctor: Even mild or occasional symptoms should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Supportive Tools You Can Use at Home

Portable ECG devices such as Kardia 6L allow you to record your heart rhythm at home and provide useful information for your doctor.

If you also experience high blood pressure, OMRON Complete combines blood pressure and ECG monitoring in one device, making it easier to track your heart rhythm and blood pressure together, especially since cardiovascular risk increases after menopause.

Conclusion

Heart health is one of the most important - yet least discussed - aspects of menopause. By understanding what’s happening inside your body and using simple monitoring tools, you can take proactive steps that support your wellbeing today and in the long run.

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