Menopause marks the natural end of menstruation and fertility in people assigned female at birth. This transition usually occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, when the ovaries stop releasing eggs and hormone levels fluctuate.Heart disease remains one of the leading causes of death among women, yet its warning signs are often overlooked or mistaken for menopause symptoms. Fatigue, hot flashes, or shortness of breath, for example, can mask underlying heart issues, causing many women to miss early warning signals.To understand why this confusion happens and what to watch for, we spoke with Dr Asha Rani V., Assistant Professor at SDM College of Ayurveda and Hospital, Hassan, who shared her insights on recognising the signs of heart trouble in women.What Is Menopause?Menopause is the stage in life when a woman’s periods stop and natural fertility ends. It typically occurs between the ages of 45 and 55, though it can happen earlier or later in some cases, as per National Institutes of Health.Before periods fully stop, oestrogen levels begin to decline, a phase known as perimenopause. Women may start experiencing menopausal symptoms during perimenopause, even if their periods have not completely ceased.Because of these hormonal changes, women between the ages of 45 and 50 are at a higher risk for heart-related issues, including heart attacks.ALSO READ: Strong Babies, Weak Bones? Does Breastfeeding Actually Cause Women To Lose Bone Density? Early Warning Symptoms of Heart Attack Often Mistaken for MenopauseDr Rani explains that menopause and heart attacks can share certain symptoms, which is why many women may confuse one for the other. While chest discomfort, fatigue, or restlessness might seem like normal menopausal changes, they can sometimes signal something more serious. The key lies in how these symptoms appear, whether they are sudden, severe, or occur in combination.Common overlapping symptoms include:Chest discomfort or tightnessSudden, unexplained fatigueHeart palpitationsNight sweats or hot flashesShortness of breathNausea or indigestionGeneral body or muscle achesFeelings of anxiety or restlessnessAre Menopause Symptoms the Same as Heart Attack Symptoms?During perimenopause and menopause, usually between ages 45 and 55, hormonal shifts can trigger a variety of changes in the body. Some of these, like chest discomfort, fatigue, or palpitations, overlap with early signs of a heart attack, which makes them easy to misread.Dr Rani explains that oestrogen plays a key role in protecting the heart by regulating cholesterol levels and supporting flexible, healthy blood vessels. “Oestrogen naturally helps reduce the buildup of fat in the arteries and keeps blood vessels healthy. When estrogen levels fall, it can lead to higher cholesterol, rising blood pressure, and weight gain, all of which increase the risk of heart disease,” she notes.ALSO READ: Ebola Outbreak Update: Vaccines Continue To Arrive As Congo Yet Again Becomes Disease HotspotCan Menopause Cause a Heart Attack?Menopause itself isn’t a direct cause of heart attacks, but it is a turning point when women become more vulnerable to heart conditions. The loss of hormonal protection, combined with lifestyle factors, makes the risk of coronary artery disease and stroke higher. Experts stress that menopause should serve as a wake-up call, not only for reproductive health, but also for cardiovascular health.
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