TL;DR
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A Fit&Well report quotes cardiologist Dr Roy Jogiya on three symptoms during menopause that should not automatically be blamed on hormonal changes: new chest discomfort, breathlessness during usual activities and persistent or irregular palpitations. The report also outlines when to seek emergency help and recommends checking cardiovascular risk factors with a health professional.
A Fit&Well report quotes cardiologist Dr Roy Jogiya warning that women going through menopause should not automatically dismiss new chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness or persistent palpitations as hormonal symptoms. He says some patterns can warrant prompt medical assessment, including emergency help when symptoms suggest a possible heart attack.
Jogiya, identified by Fit&Well as chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says falling estrogen levels during menopause can accompany changes in blood vessels, cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He notes that aging also affects cardiovascular health and that these changes develop gradually. His comments describe possible risk-related changes, not a diagnosis for any individual woman.
The three symptoms highlighted are new chest pressure or discomfort, particularly when it could be mistaken for indigestion; breathlessness during familiar activities, such as climbing stairs or exercising; and a racing or irregular heartbeat that persists or occurs alongside other symptoms. Jogiya says heart attacks in women can also involve nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, breathlessness, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen.
According to the report, a clinician may investigate rhythm symptoms with an electrocardiogram or a portable heart monitor. Jogiya advises medical assessment for new or recurring palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, repeated dizziness or unexplained breathlessness. The report says to contact emergency services for suspected heart attack symptoms, and for palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting. It names 911 in the United States and 999 in the United Kingdom.
Recognizing Symptoms Beyond Hot Flashes
Menopause is often discussed through symptoms such as hot flashes, sleep disruption and anxiety. The report’s central point is that heart-related symptoms may overlap with experiences that women could attribute to hormonal changes, making it important to pay attention to new, persistent or worsening symptoms rather than making assumptions about their cause.
The advice also distinguishes between routine follow-up and emergencies. Chest discomfort with sweating, nausea or breathlessness, or palpitations with chest pain or faintness, may require urgent assessment, according to Jogiya. Readers should use local emergency services when they think a heart attack may be happening; this article cannot determine the cause of an individual’s symptoms.
The report also points to risk factors that may shape a clinician’s assessment, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of premature heart disease. Jogiya also identifies premature menopause and certain pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, as cardiovascular risk markers that can be overlooked.
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Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
Jogiya’s explanation is that estrogen has a role in blood vessel health and cholesterol regulation, and that its decline during menopause can coincide with changes in several cardiovascular measures. He cautions that aging contributes too; the report does not attribute every heart-health change in midlife solely to menopause.
His practical recommendations are to aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, add strength training, choose a diet that includes vegetables, whole grains, nuts and olive oil, and limit saturated fat and salt. He also recommends having blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked. These are general prevention suggestions in the report, not a substitute for personalized guidance from a qualified health professional.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr Roy Jogiya, cardiologist and chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, as quoted by Fit&Well
Symptoms Need Individual Assessment
The report does not provide new research findings, clinical data or a publication date in the supplied material. It presents one cardiologist’s guidance; the symptoms listed can have causes other than heart disease, and their presence alone does not confirm a cardiac problem.
It is also not possible from the report to estimate an individual woman’s risk or determine whether a symptom is related to menopause, a heart condition or another cause. Diagnosis and appropriate testing depend on a person’s symptoms and medical history. Anyone with concerning or worsening symptoms should seek care from a qualified professional, using emergency services for potentially life-threatening signs.
When to Seek Medical Care
For symptoms that may signal a heart attack—such as new chest pressure, especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness—the report advises calling emergency services rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. It gives 911 for the United States and 999 for the United Kingdom; readers elsewhere should use their local emergency number.
For new or recurring palpitations, unexplained breathlessness, reduced ability to exercise or recurrent dizziness, Jogiya recommends arranging a medical assessment. A clinician can decide whether tests such as an ECG or portable monitor are appropriate and review blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and personal risk factors.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the report say not to dismiss?
It highlights new chest discomfort, breathlessness during usual activities or exercise, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms do not by themselves establish a heart diagnosis.
Can menopause cause palpitations?
Jogiya says palpitations are common during menopause and can be associated with hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety and hot flashes. He recommends assessment if they are persistent or occur with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness.
When does the report advise calling emergency services?
It advises calling emergency services for suspected heart attack symptoms, including new chest pressure or discomfort, especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also identifies palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting as emergency warning signs.
What heart-health checks does the cardiologist recommend?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar so problems can be identified and addressed. A health professional can advise how often checks are appropriate based on personal circumstances.
Source: fitandwell.com
