Women who have been through the menopause may face a higher risk of a heart attack, NHS GP Dr Amir Khan has warned. Speaking on his No Appointment Necessary podcast, the ITV regular explained that the loss of certain hormones leaves women with less protection as they age.
Why menopause raises heart attack risk
Dr Khan said that many studies and symptoms have historically been based on men presenting with heart attacks. Before the menopause, estrogen helps lower blood pressure, manage cholesterol levels, and improve insulin sensitivity, which means pre-menopausal women are at lower risk of heart disease and heart attacks.
"After the menopause, that protection is gone and the risk is just the same," he said. A woman is in postmenopause 12 months after her final menstrual period, which on average happens around age 51 or 52.
Symptoms more common in women
According to the British Heart Foundation, chest pain is still the most common symptom for both men and women. However, women are more likely to experience additional subtle symptoms, including shortness of breath, pain spreading to the jaw, neck, upper back, shoulders, or stomach, nausea or indigestion-like symptoms, unusual fatigue, lightheadedness, cold sweats, or sudden anxiety.
The charity notes that women sometimes experience lesser-known symptoms rather than chest pain, and this difference can delay care.
What to do during a heart attack
The NHS advises calling 999 if chest pain feels tight or like squeezing on the chest. While waiting for help, sit and rest on the floor with knees bent and back supported, take 300mg aspirin if available, and use a GTN spray if prescribed for angina. Keep checking the person's response and breathing, and start CPR if they stop responding.
