Women can protect their hearts by minimising HRT

Heart disease is associated with men but more women actually die from it.

One in three women die from heart disease each year — the equivalent of 8.6 million people.

It is the leading cause of death in women over-40, with risks increasing post-menopause.

Menopause occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, but can begin as early as in your thirties.

It is characterized by 12 consecutive months without a menstrual period and is caused by the ovaries producing less of the female hormone oestrogen.

Women can experience hot flushes, night sweats, mood swings, vaginal dryness and decreased sexual desire.

Hormones

A common treatment for menopause is Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT), which contains one or more female hormones — usually oestrogen and progestin — in a pill, patch, injection, vaginal cream, tablet or ring.

For many years it was thought HRT could reduce the risk of heart disease in women, by replacing the oestrogen lost during menopause.

But recent research shows oestrogen may actually increase the risk in older women, or those who began oestrogen replacement more than 10 years after their last period.

Certain types of HRT have a higher risk, and each woman has different risk factors depending on her medical history and lifestyle.

All women should discuss HRT with their healthcare provider.

Treatment

If you start taking HRT, it should be the lowest dose to manage symptoms, for the shortest time needed.

Your hormone regimen should be re-evaluated every six months.

Products which combine oestrogen and progestin, like Prempak-C, Prempro and Cliane, are some of the HRT therapies available.

Bioidentical oestrogen — estradiol (Estrace), estrone, estriol and progesterone (Prometrium) — are also available in oral or vaginal form by prescription.

These more closely resemble the hormones made by the body and can cause fewer side effects.

There also are some over-the-counter (OTC) supplements, like soy isoflavones and black cohosh.

Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about treatments that may work for you. 

Pay attention to your heart health at any age and manage risk factors by:

• Avoiding smoking;
• Losing weight and/or maintaining your ideal body weight;
• Exercising for 30-40 minutes, three to five times per week;
• Following a diet low in saturated and trans-fats but high in fibre, whole grains, legumes such as beans and peas, fruits, vegetables, fish, and folate-rich foods;
• Treating medical conditions such as diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure — known risk factors for heart disease.

February is synonymous with the heart, so for Valentine’s Day take control of your health and keep your heart pumping for years to come.

Stephanie Simons, BSc, is the head pharmacist at Lindo’s in Devonshire. For more information visit Lindo’s at www.lindos.bm