We know that when menopause hits, a woman’s body gradually produces less estrogen than it used to.
But did you know that it can increase the risk of the coronary arteries narrowing whereas it previously protected the lining of the artery walls reducing the build-up of plaque?
Estrogen can offer some protection against coronary artery disease, therefore reducing the risk of a heart attack.
It also helps to control your cholesterol levels to reduce the build-up of fatty plaque inside your artery wall.
As we get age our blood vessels can become stiffer, caused by high blood pressure. This is a risk factor associated with heart attacks and stroke.
This was me, menopausal, overweight and extremely tired my blood pressure was far too high, and my doctor wanted me to take medication, but I felt I wanted to do it naturally, it was hard, and it was a constant cloud above my head, it was hard to push through that but the realisation that you are heading for a stroke, heart attack or worse gives you the fear! Leading me to change my habits and the right kind of supplements really paid off and I am glad I stuck with it.
I remember the headache, I felt it from the back of my neck to the front, it was a strange pulsing feeling, and sometimes I couldn’t catch my breath, my chest felt tight, and I seemed to get nosebleeds at night.
I still monitor my blood pressure but instead of doing it every couple of days, it’s maybe once a month.
They say that normal blood pressure is 120/80
Raised is above 120-129 and the bottom is below 80
Stage 1 Hypertension 130-139/80-89
Stage 2 Hypertension 140+/90
So, when was the last time you checked yours?
It’s a good idea to do regular checks, it is called the “silent killer because you might not have symptoms until it’s too late or you might just put that headache down to stress!
It’s a good idea to get your cholesterol checked too as your bad cholesterol can rise and your good can decline to cause the formation of plaque in your arteries which can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.
Some other signs that your heart is under pressure are.
• Belly fat
• High blood sugar
• Depression
• Disrupted sleep
After 50 have an annual check up and keep your eye on your-
- Cholesterol
- Blood sugar
- Blood pressure
- Vitamin D
- Weight
- Omega 3:6 balance
Testing gives you peace of mind, that you are heading in the right direction. Also, talk to your doctor about HRT, if you’re like me and can’t take it then opt for a healthy lifestyle, really even if you are taking HRT you should be opting for a healthy lifestyle, we hand probably another 30-plus years left to go and we want it to be amazing, we want to be able to move and enjoy life, the saying goes.
“Move it or lose it”.
I say don’t lose it. Stretch and be active every day, eat well drink plenty of water. Cut down or cut out alcohol. Take the right supplements for your body. It is so hard to get what we need from our food nowadays.
10 foods to love your heart.
• Olive oil
• Berries
• Avocados
• Green leafy vegetables
• Salmon
• Whole grains
• Soy
• Tomatoes
• Walnuts
• Beans
Don’t suffer in silence, your health and wellbeing are important, you want your life to be joyful and packed full of fun and your heart needs to be healthy to do just that!
So, stop and think about your heart this Valentine Day and I don’t about the commercial side of it.
Do i have a date?
Will I get a card or flowers?
Instead focus on your health and do something that is going to make your heart happy, so you have many more valentine days left to celebrate…
As always sending you love and support. Let me know your thought and if this was something you needed to hear today?
Happy Valentines
P.S. If you need a little help to get started or to find out more about testing book a call with me and let’s chat. I don’t have all the answers, but I can listen, support and offer advice on what helped me. If I can do it, believe me so can you.
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