Besties Angella and Leslie bring you another episode in The Year of the Menopause series with the return of Dr Toni Otway, a Board Certified OB/GYN physician. She discusses that cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women, yet the connection between menopause and heart health remains dangerously under-discussed. Dr. Otway explains how dropping estrogen levels during menopause dramatically increase women's heart disease risk.

• Estrogen protects cardiovascular health by keeping blood vessels flexible, reducing inflammation, and helping manage cholesterol

• Women's heart attack symptoms often differ from men's classic chest pain, presenting instead as fatigue, shortness of breath, or indigestion

• CDC reports 6% of women over 20 already show signs of cardiovascular disease

• Pregnancy complications like gestational diabetes and preeclampsia are significant risk factors for future heart disease

• Hormone replacement therapy offers cardiovascular benefits when started early in menopause transition

• Women must advocate for themselves against medical gaslighting and ensure doctors follow appropriate screening guidelines

• Prevention through lifestyle changes remains essential alongside appropriate medication when necessary

Don't forget to schedule your regular health screenings and pay attention to changes in your body – your heart health depends on it.

Resources referenced:

https://www.njbwpa.com/

https://njnma.org/

Get Angie’s eBook:

We’re Too Old for This Shit! The Inquisitive Older Woman’s Guide to Joy http://joystrategy.co/ebook

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