Flushing Heart? … Menopause Women’s Advisory (Study)

Facial flushing is one of the symptoms of menopause. Research findings suggest these symptoms may also turn into a “red light” in the heart.

It is estimated that over 70% of women experience symptoms of hot flashes during menopause. This symptom affects the mental health and quality of life of postmenopausal women and, recently, studies are emerging that show that it is related to the risk of cardiovascular disease.

A new study linking fever symptoms to heart health will be presented at the recent annual meeting of the North American Menopause Society.

Rebecca Thurston, of the University of Pittsburgh, USA, who conducted the study, said: “Fever symptoms are known to affect quality of life but are not symptoms of health problems. We are pointing out that it could be a symptom of an increased risk. “

This study also investigated the physiological mechanisms that can link vasomotor symptoms to cardiovascular risk. Vasomotor symptoms refer to symptoms such as hot flashes and sweating (during sleep) which are common during menopause.

Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of death in women, and the risk accelerates in middle age as menopause progresses. In particular, women who frequently suffer from hot flashes have worse indices of cardiovascular risk factors, including hypertension, insulin resistance (diabetes), and dyslipidemia.

Additionally, the risk of cardiovascular disease such as myocardial infarction and stroke increases with age in women with frequent or persistent symptoms. Recently, there are also research findings correlating vasomotor symptoms with markers of brain health, including markers of small vessel disease.

Dr. Fobion, MD (medical director) of the North American Pediatric Society, said, “The results of this study will usher in a recent insight into the benefits of attempting to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with a high burden of vasomotor symptoms. as they get older, it will do, “he said.