It’s not often that pregnant women are thinking of menopause, but new research shows that those with high blood pressure may have more health risks or symptoms later in life. Pregnant women with high blood pressure are at an increased risk of menopause for chronic hypertension, diabetes, coronary artery disease, stroke, and early cardiovascular death.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) can include gestational hypertension and preeclampsia. These well-studied conditions are known as female-specific predictors of cardiovascular disease, which is the leading cause of death in women. Specific menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes, are also known to be indicators of cardiovascular risk.
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Even though hot flashes and HDP are both associated with heart disease, there have been limited studies to link the two. Researchers hope this study will help to bridge the information and better understand the connection.
The study published in the journal Menopause has found that high blood pressure in pregnant women may also lead to more bothersome menopause symptoms such as hot flashes. Researchers examined nearly 2,700 women to analyze the connection between HDP and hot flashes to help clinicians better identify women at higher risk for cardiovascular disease.
The study concluded that women with a history of HDP experienced more severe menopause symptoms compared to women without a history of HDP. This was also shown in women without a pregnancy. Researchers additionally found that women with HDP using hormone therapy had significantly more menopause symptoms than women with no such history.
“This large cross-sectional study shows a link between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and menopause symptoms, both unique to women and predictive of future cardiovascular disease risk. Future studies are needed to determine whether these risks are additive to better inform development of more accurate models for cardiovascular risk prediction in women and strategies for risk reduction,” says Dr. Stephanie Faubion, lead author of the study and NAMS medical director.
Lower Risk with a Healthy Lifestyle
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Menopause itself does not cause cardiovascular disease. Researchers believe that this health condition can be diverted by avoiding high-fat diets, smoking, and other unhealthy habits earlier in life. By following a healthy lifestyle from a young age, before pregnancy, it may be possible to lower all risks associated with HDP.
“Menopause isn’t a disease. It’s a natural phase of a woman’s life cycle,” Dr. Goldberg said. “It’s important for women, as they approach menopause, to really take stock of their health.”
More than one in three female adults has some form of cardiovascular disease, and an overall increase in heart attacks among women is seen about ten years after menopause. Therefore, more studies are needed to find treatments to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.
About eight years ago, Mat Lecompte had an epiphany. He’d been ignoring his health and suddenly realized he needed to do something about it. Since then, through hard work, determination and plenty of education, he has transformed his life. He’s changed his body composition by learning the ins and outs of nutrition, exercise, and fitness and wants to share his knowledge with you. Starting as a journalist over 10 years ago, Mat has not only honed his belief system and approach with practical experience, but he has also worked closely with nutritionists, dieticians, athletes, and fitness professionals. He embraces natural healing methods and believes that diet, exercise and willpower are the foundation of a healthy, happy, and drug-free existence.
