Women's Heart and Vascular

During menopause, estrogen levels naturally decline. Estrogen helps protect the heart; as levels decrease, a woman’s risk for heart disease can increase. Heart disease risk factors include: 

• Higher LDL (“bad”) cholesterol
• Rising blood pressure
• Slower metabolism

These changes can lead to weight gain, especially around the waist. This type of weight gain—called visceral fat—can increase the risk for metabolic syndrome and heart disease. 

Menopause symptoms like stress, hot flashes, and sleep problems can also play a role in overall cardiovascular health. 

At Yale New Haven Hospital, we care for heart conditions that can develop during pregnancy and after delivery. Some women may experience new or worsening heart issues, such as high blood pressure, pre-eclampsia, or weakened heart muscle. We provide coordinated care by working closely with your Ob/Gyn to monitor your heart health and treat problems early. 

Learn more about maternal cardiac care offered at Yale New Haven Hospital 

Heart failure affects women differently. Heart failure is a serious and growing health issue for women. While women and men have a similar lifetime risk—about one in four adults will develop heart failure—women often experience it in unique ways. These differences are influenced by changes in a woman’s body over time, including hormonal shifts and differences in heart structure and metabolism.    

For example, women vs. men are more likely to develop heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), a type of heart failure where the heart pumps normally but doesn’t relax and fill as well.    

What can women do to prevent heart failure?  

• Know your numbers (blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar)
• Practice heart‑healthy habits (e.g., maintain a heart-healthy diet,exercise regularly, manage your cholesterol)
• Pay attention to symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath and leg swelling

Recognize symptoms and seek care promptly for early diagnosis to improve your quality of life. 

Learn more 

Dysautonomia is a dysfunction of the autonomic nervous system which controls functions like heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, digestion, and breathing. Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) is a type of dysautonomia that commonly affects women and is includes symptoms such as dizziness, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and gastrointestinal issues. Hormonal changes—during the menstrual cycle and menopause—can affect these symptoms and cause them to come and go. 

Heart rhythm disorders, known as arrhythmias, can have varied causes. Hormones can also affect the heart’s electrical system and how it beats. For example, younger women may notice more heart palpitations around their menstrual cycle. As women approach menopause, estrogen and progesterone levels naturally decrease. The decrease in hormone levels can increase the likelihood of palpitations and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).

Learn more