THE MENOPAUSE is characterised by a decline in oestrogen.

The female sex hormone actually has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels, which means it offers some defence against deadly cardiovascular disease.

It also helps control cholesterol, reducing the build-up of plaques or blockages in blood vessels.

As oestrogen levels start to decrease, so do the hormone's beneficial effects, which means women going through the menopause can be more at risk of cardiovascular disease and other heart related illnesses.

High blood pressure – known as hypertension – can act as warning sign of the disease, while also raising the risk of heart issues.

But this silent killer condition often does not cause any obvious symptoms.

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In light of World Menopause Day, Boots superintendent pharmacist Claire Nevinson sounded the alarm over the connection between menopause and heart health.

While most women will experience this change to their hormones between the ages of 45 and 55, Claire has urged women over the age of 40 to get a vital health check to detect the silent killer.

She told Sun Health:“Menopause can increase the risk of heart related illnesses in women, which is why it is so important to take steps to maintain a healthy heart as you reach this life stage.

"I encourage all women over 40 to get a Free NHS blood pressure check at their local pharmacy, as high blood pressure usually does not have any symptoms, but can develop into cardiovascular disease, which women are at increased risk of as they enter into menopause."

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She urged anyone with concerns about their heart health or other signs and symptoms of menopause to consult Boots pharmacists for advice and support.

As high blood pressure often causes no symptoms or immediate problems until it progresses into something more serious, blood pressure checks are the only way to identify it.

You're eligible for a free NHS blood pressure check in your local pharmacy if you live in England, are aged 40 and over and don't have a previous hypertension diagnosis.

A pharmacist will talk you through your blood pressure readings, provide advice and refer you to your GP if required.

Claire shared further information about why the risk of cardiovascular disease is higher during menopause.

“Oestrogen naturally occurs in a woman’s body and has a protective effect on the heart and blood vessels. As well as offering some protection against coronary heart disease, it also helps control cholesterol, reducing the build-up of plaques or blockages in blood vessels," she explained.

“During and after the menopause, oestrogen levels decrease, so this protection also decreases. Loss of oestrogen can also cause weight gain, especially around the waist area, which is also associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

"High blood pressure can also increase your risk of cardiovascular disease as well as being a warning sign.”

How can I keep my heart healthy while going through the menopause?

The superintendent pharmacist also shared advice on what steps women to keep their heart healthy.

She said the best way to do that was to "maintain a healthy weight" while going through the menopause and after it.

Following a healthy diet is a great step towards that.

Claire also urged smokers to kick the habit and advised women to limit alcohol intake to within Government guidelines – no more than 14 units a week – and exercise regularly.

"These lifestyle changes can play a significant role to help prevent heart disease," according to Claire.

Checking your blood pressure is a vital piece of the puzzle when it comes to ensuring your heart is healthy, she went on.

Does hormone replacement therapy help support cardiovascular health during menopause?

Many women go on hormone replacement therapy (HRT) to ease the debilitating symptoms often caused by menopause.

It involves using oestrogen to replace your body's own levels around the time of the menopause – the treatment comes in pill, gel and patch form.

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According to Claire, "taking HRT can also reduce your risk of hormone-related health problems including osteoporosis and heart disease.”

She said advised women to pop into a Boots pharmacy where they can get advice on menopause without an appointment, or visit the menopause hub on boots.com.

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