Heart health is linked to menopause: experts explain the relationship
Sudden hot flashes, vaginal dryness, feeling of discomfort. When menopause appears, women tend to experience several unpleasant symptoms, in addition to important changes in the body, including placing attention on heart health.
This was the theme of "CNN Vital Signs - Dr. Kalil Interview" this Saturday (04), in which cardiologist Salete Nacif and gynecologist José Maria Soares Jr. spoke with Roberto Kalil. During the chat, they commented on the transformations of this phase and their impacts on women's health.
Hormone replacement requires care
One of the points discussed was hormone replacement and when it is indicated. "When women are in the appropriate physiological period (between 45 and 55 years old), we need to know the indications", considers Soares, who lists them: vasomotor symptoms, such as hot flashes, which disrupt the routine; changes in the genital organs, such as their atrophy; and whether there is a predisposition to loss of bone mass.
Some patients are at greater risk, such as those who have or have had breast cancer or who have it. For them, there are alternatives such as psychotropic drugs. Recently, Anvisa (National Health Surveillance Agency) approved a new medicine, the neurosinin three receptor agonist, which has a different action, but has the same effect for hot flashes.
Nacif explained how it is necessary to assess the patient's cardiovascular risk before prescribing this treatment. Women who have already had a heart attack or stroke, for example, may have problems. "In these situations, we have to individualize the indication of hormone replacement therapy, because, often, if you replace it, even if the hormone is low, you can increase the risk", he explains. Patients with diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure can receive replacement with guidance and observation.
Changes in the female body
A woman's body changes a lot when she stops menstruating. Soares describes how the female body begins to accumulate more visceral fat (the one found in the belly and between the organs), begins to have insulin resistance and even an increase in blood pressure.
"Apart from that, we have the issue of hot flashes, which disrupt sleep, causing more insomnia and worsening weight", says the gynecologist. All of this makes holistic care important, checking diet, physical activity, alcohol and cigarette consumption and even stress, as this is a critical phase with many changes.
And speaking of physical activity, it is essential during this period. Nacif reinforced how it is necessary to follow the World Health Organization's guidance of doing 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week - or 75 minutes of more intense activities.
It is also important to mix aerobic activities (such as walking or cycling) with resistance exercises (Pilates or weight training). "There's no point in taking medicine, medicine, medicine and not taking non-pharmacological treatment, which is precisely physical activity that's good for everything", says the cardiologist.
The experts also highlighted the group at highest risk, clarified the role of estrogen in cardiovascular protection, the impacts of early and induced menopause, in addition to providing guidance on the most important tests, symptoms that should not be attributed solely to hormonal changes and signs of heart attack in women, reinforcing the importance of early diagnosis and the adoption of healthy habits to reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
"CNN Signs Vitals - Dr. Kalil Interview" will be shown this Saturday, July 11, at 7:30 pm, on CNN Brasil.
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Source: CNN