Menopause and Your Heart Health: What Every Woman Needs to Know | Dr Chan Po Fun, Singapore
- Dr Chan Po Fun
- Jul 27
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 8
Most women know menopause as a hormonal change that brings hot flushes, mood swings, and sleep disturbances. But what many don’t realise is that menopause is also a turning point for heart health.
In fact, heart disease is the leading cause of death in women worldwide, including in Singapore. And the risk rises sharply after menopause, especially if you have other underlying risk factors.
How Menopause Increases Heart Disease Risk
The drop in oestrogen levels during menopause affects your heart and blood vessels in several ways:
LDL (“bad” cholesterol) rises
HDL (“good” cholesterol) falls
Blood pressure increases due to stiffer arteries
Weight gain, especially belly fat, becomes more common
Fatigue, anxiety, or “not quite right” feelings may appear
These changes can raise your risk of:
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF)
Atrial fibrillation and other arrhythmias
Are You at Higher Risk After Menopause?
You may have a higher risk of heart disease post-menopause if you have:
A history of high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or diabetes
Early menopause (before 45 years)
Pregnancy complications like preeclampsia or gestational diabetes
Family history of heart disease or stroke
Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
6 Ways to Protect Your Heart After Menopause
1. Get Regular Heart Screenings
Check for the onset of cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, or blood sugar. See a Cardiologist for further workup if you have symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, chest discomfort, breathlessness, or palpitations.
2. Know Your Numbers
LDL-C below 3.0 mmol/L (116mg/dL), or lower if high-risk
Blood pressure <135/85 mmHg
Fasting glucose <6.0 mmol/L (100 mg/dL), or HbA1c <6.0%
Waist circumference <80 cm for Asian women
3. Stay Active
Aim for 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity exercise.
The Talk Test:
You can talk in short sentences or phrases, but it would be difficult to sing.
Heart Rate:
Your heart rate is elevated to about 50% to 70% of your maximum heart rate (MHR).
Combine this with at least two days of muscle-strengthening activities that work all major muscle groups.
4. Eat a Heart-Healthy Diet
Vegetables, fruits, whole grains
Omega-3-rich foods (fish, flaxseed)
Less sugar, salt, and processed foods
5. Manage Stress and Sleep
Poor sleep and stress worsen cardiovascular risk. Mindfulness, yoga, and relaxation can help.
6. Discuss Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
HRT can help menopausal symptoms and bone health, but it is not for everyone. Always obtain a cardiovascular risk assessment, and discuss risks and benefits with a doctor before starting.
How I Can Help – A Personal Note
As a female cardiologist in Singapore specialising in women’s heart health, I understand how overwhelming midlife changes can feel. Your heart is part of this journey, and with the right care, you can stay strong and healthy.
At my clinic, we offer specialised care for women. These include:
📋 Lifestyle and risk assessments for women in midlife
🏃 Stress testing for fatigue or breathlessness
🧬 Specialised care for women who’ve had breast cancer treatment
💬 “Heart disease after menopause is not only manageable — it’s often preventable.”
FAQ: How Menopause Impacts Your Heart Health
Q: Why does menopause increase the risk of heart disease?
A: Falling oestrogen affects cholesterol, blood pressure, and fat distribution, all of which impact heart health.
Q: When should I start screening my heart health?
A: A woman benefits most from a heart health check-up before symptoms appear. Screening is recommended from age 20 for women with risk factors, and from age 50 for women with fewer risks. All women benefit from regular screenings, and more frequent screenings are advised after menopause, or if specific risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, or a family history are present.
Q: Is HRT safe for heart health?
A: It depends on your individual risk profile. HRT may benefit some women but is not suitable for those with a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
A: Unexplained fatigue, breathlessness, palpitations, chest tightness, or dizziness should prompt a heart check.
Q: Can lifestyle changes lower my risk?
A: Yes. Diet, exercise, stress management, and regular check-ups significantly reduce cardiovascular risk in post-menopausal women.
📞 Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
If you’re going through menopause and worried about your heart, don’t wait.
Quick, personalised 20-minute heart check-up with Dr Chan Po Fun, female cardiologist specialising in Women’s Heart Health.
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