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A Fit&Well report relays cardiologist Roy Jogiya’s advice that women should not assume new chest discomfort, breathlessness or persistent palpitations are menopause symptoms. Some signs require emergency services; new or recurring symptoms should be assessed by a clinician.
A Fit&Well report has highlighted cardiologist Dr. Roy Jogiya’s advice that women should seek attention for new chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness or persistent irregular or racing heartbeats during menopause, rather than automatically attributing them to hormonal changes. The symptoms can have different causes, but some may signal a heart problem and require urgent medical care.
Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says falling estrogen levels during menopause can be associated with changes in blood vessels, cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He also notes that aging contributes, and that these changes occur gradually. The report does not say that menopause itself confirms a heart condition or that every symptom is cardiac.
The first symptom he flags is new chest pressure or discomfort, which can be mistaken for indigestion. Heart attack symptoms in women may also include breathlessness, nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen, Jogiya says. The second is becoming breathless during familiar everyday activities or exercise, such as climbing stairs or attending a regular class. A noticeable drop in exercise tolerance warrants assessment, he advises.
The third is a persistent racing or irregular heartbeat. Palpitations can be common during menopause and may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, sleep disruption, anxiety or hot flashes, according to Jogiya. But palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting call for urgent attention. Clinicians may use an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor to investigate a suspected rhythm problem.
When Menopause Symptoms Need Attention
The guidance matters because symptoms associated with menopause can overlap with signs of cardiovascular illness. Treating a new symptom as hormonal without assessment could delay care, while recognizing that palpitations can also have non-cardiac explanations can help avoid assuming the worst. The report’s central point is to take changes seriously without self-diagnosing.
Jogiya says women with high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, a smoking history, obesity or a strong family history of early heart disease may have added risk. He also names premature menopause and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension as cardiovascular risk markers. These are factors to discuss with a health professional, not proof that an individual has heart disease.
For suspected heart attack symptoms, the report advises calling local emergency services rather than waiting for symptoms to become severe. It gives 911 in the United States and 999 in the United Kingdom as examples. The correct emergency number depends on location.
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Hormonal Changes and Heart Risk
The report frames menopause as a point when cardiovascular risk factors may change, not as a diagnosis. Jogiya says estrogen supports healthy blood vessels and cholesterol regulation; as levels fall, LDL cholesterol may rise and blood pressure may increase. He also mentions possible changes in abdominal fat and insulin resistance. The article notes that aging is another influence, so it does not attribute these changes to menopause alone.
Alongside assessment of symptoms, Jogiya recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise a week, strength training, and a diet featuring vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt. He also advises checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. These are general prevention suggestions in the source report; they do not replace individualized medical advice or treatment.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr. Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, as quoted by Fit&Well
Symptoms Do Not Confirm Heart Disease
The report offers general guidance, not an individual diagnosis. It provides no data on how often these symptoms during menopause are caused by heart disease, and it does not establish that hormonal changes caused any particular person’s symptoms. Palpitations may be harmless, Jogiya says, but their cause cannot be determined from symptoms alone.
The source does not include a response from another medical specialist or a research study assessing the advice. It also does not provide a publication date. Anyone experiencing symptoms should seek care suited to their severity and circumstances; the report’s emergency examples refer to different countries, and local services vary.
Seek Care for New or Worsening Symptoms
Call emergency services for suspected heart attack symptoms, severe breathlessness, collapse, signs of stroke, or palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, according to the guidance in the report. For new or recurring palpitations, unexplained breathlessness, recurrent dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance, contact a doctor for assessment. Seek urgent medical advice if symptoms are worsening or if concerning palpitations with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness have stopped.
For non-emergency prevention, discuss personal risk factors and whether blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks are appropriate. A clinician can decide whether tests such as an electrocardiogram or portable monitor are needed. The report does not specify a follow-up study or further announcement.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the report say not to ignore?
It highlights new chest discomfort, breathlessness during familiar daily activities or exercise, and persistent racing or irregular heartbeats. The symptoms can have different causes and do not by themselves confirm heart disease.
When should someone call emergency services?
The report advises calling for suspected heart attack symptoms, including new chest pressure, particularly with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also flags palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness, as well as severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke. Use the emergency number where you live.
Are palpitations during menopause always a sign of a heart problem?
No. Jogiya says palpitations can be common and often harmless, and may occur alongside hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety or hot flashes. Persistent or irregular beats, especially with other warning symptoms, should be assessed.
What checks does the report recommend discussing?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor when investigating possible rhythm problems.
Source: fitandwell.com
