THEHot flashes are the most common symptom of menopause and are often considered only a temporary inconvenience. In reality, scientific research in recent years has shown that hot flashes can be an important indicator of deeper changes, which also involve cardiovascular health as well as a signal of greater risk for bones, and many other systems that are affected by estrogen deficiency.
What are hot flashes?
Hot flashes are not just an annoyance to bear but a powerful signal that our body sends us! Listening to them and treating them appropriately means taking care of your heart for a healthy longevity project. Hot flashes do not depend on the outside temperature, but on one instability of the brain thermoregulation center, linked to the decline in estrogen. This causes sudden episodes of heat, sweating, and palpitations often sleep disorders, especially during the night.
When they appear and why it is important not to underestimate them
They can appear already in perimenopause or in the first years after the last menstruation.
From a medical point of view, early, frequent or nocturnal hot flashes they should not be trivializedWhy may indicate greater vulnerability of the cardiovascular system.
The link between hot flashes and the heart
Clinical studies have shown that women with more intense hot flashes more often have:
- endothelial dysfunction
- increased arterial stiffness
- greater activation of the sympathetic nervous system which is activated with each flush contributing to an increase in blood pressure which tends to remain at higher values over time.
These alterations are associated with a increased cardiovascular risk over timeespecially in the presence of other factors in addition to hypertension such as being overweight or sedentary.
When to delve deeper
It is advisable to carefully evaluate when hot flashes:
- appear before the age of 50
- they disturb sleep
- are associated with palpitations, anxiety or chronic fatigue
- coexist with cardiovascular risk factors
In these cases the symptom can become an alarm bell.
How to protect women’s hearts
Menopause represents a key moment for cardiovascular prevention. Let us always remember that cardiovascular events such as heart attacks represent the No. 1 killer of postmenopausal women.
The most effective strategies include:
Evaluation of suitable hormone replacement therapy
active lifestyle and balanced diet
control of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar
If started early and in the absence of contraindications, HRT – particularly transdermal – in addition to restoring women’s well-being, can contribute to a more favorable cardiovascular profile.
Scientific references
Thurston RC et al. Hot flashes and cardiovascular risk. Menopause. 2015;22(8):807–815.
Thurston RC, El Khoudary SR. Vasomotor symptoms and cardiovascular disease. Climacteric. 2018;21(2):119–125.
Muka T et al. Association of vasomotor symptoms with cardiovascular disease. J Am Heart Assoc. 2016;5:e003155.
North American Menopause Society (NAMS). The 2023 Hormone Therapy Position Statement. Menopause.
European Menopause and Andropause Society (EMAS). Menopause and cardiovascular health. Maturitas.
Doctor Cinzia Polo
Doctor Cinzia Polo.
Specialist in Gynecology and Obstetrics, Menopausologist, la Doctor Cinzia Polo for years it has been carrying out dissemination and training work on the physical and psychological transformations that accompany menopause, with the aim of giving women a freer, more informed and positive approach.
Co-founder and vice-president of the Association Menopauseboost, Dr. Polo is also part of the parliamentary commission established for women’s rights which brought the revision of the leaflets to the attention of both the Chamber of Deputies and Montecitorio.
In this column, the expert answers the most current and useful questions to help women better experience the delicate period of menopause through the sharing of scientific information.