Questions and Answers

Each woman’s menopause experience is different. Many women who undergo natural menopause report no physical changes at all during the premenopausal years, except irregular menstrual periods that eventually stop when they reach menopause. Other changes may include hot flashes, difficulty sleeping, memory problems, mood disturbances, vaginal dryness, and weight gain. Not all these changes are […] Read More

It is not a disease. Menopause is a normal, natural event—defined as the final menstrual period and usually confirmed when a woman has missed her periods for 12 consecutive months (in the absence of other obvious causes). Menopause is associated with reduced functioning of the ovaries due to aging, resulting in lower levels of estrogen […] Read More

Tips for better heart health include: •       Going for regular health check-ups with your doctor. •       Taking steps to manage other health conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. •       Quitting smoking and avoiding tobacco in any form. Heart disease risk reduces by 50 percent just 12 months after someone quits smoking. •       […] Read More

Anyone who suspects symptoms of a heart attack should call emergency services immediately. Only 65 percent of women would call emergency services if they suspected they were having a heart attack, according to a 2012 survey. Emergency treatment can save lives. Anyone noticing the following symptoms should call an ambulance immediately, especially if the signs […] Read More

Generally, all women over 40 years of age should have regular checks with their doctors. This helps identify risk factors early so that they can be treated. Early intervention reduces the chances of a cardiac event. Anyone who notices the warning signs of a heart attack, such as the following, should see a doctor immediately: […] Read More

•        Age: Those aged 55 years or older are at greater risk of a heart attack. This may be because hormones provide some protection from heart disease before menopause. •        Family history: Those with a male relative who had a heart attack by the age of 55, or a female relative who had one by […] Read More

The risk of heart attack increases due to falling estrogen levels after menopause. Post-menopause heart attack symptoms include: •        pain or discomfort in the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach; •        rapid or irregular heartbeat; •        severe chest pain; •        sweating without activity. Read More

Chest pain is the most common symptom of a heart attack. Many people expect a heart attack to come on suddenly. But research suggests that women experience symptoms for several weeks before a heart attack. A study of 515 women who had experienced a heart attack, published in 2003, reports 80 percent of women had […] Read More

Once you’ve had a heart attack, you’re at a higher risk for another one. Knowing the difference between angina and a heart attack is important. Angina is chest pain that occurs in people who have ischemic heart disease. The pain from angina usually occurs after physical exertion and goes away in a few minutes when […] Read More

After a heart attack, many people worry about having another heart attack. Sometimes they feel depressed and have trouble adjusting to new lifestyle changes. Talk about how you feel with your health care team. Talking to a professional counselor also can help. If you’re very depressed, your doctor may recommend medicines or other treatments that […] Read More