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Cardiologist Dr. Roy Jogiya says menopause-related changes may affect cardiovascular risk, and advises women not to assume new chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness or persistent palpitations are hormonal. The report also lists emergency warning signs and recommends medical assessment for new or recurring symptoms; it is not a new clinical study or formal guideline.
A Fit&Well report featuring cardiologist Dr. Roy Jogiya highlights three symptoms during menopause that women should not automatically dismiss as hormonal: new chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness during familiar activities and persistent or irregular heartbeats. Jogiya says some symptoms can signal a heart problem and advises emergency care for possible heart-attack signs or palpitations accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness or faintness.
Jogiya, identified in the report as chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says falling estrogen levels during menopause can be associated with changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He also notes that aging contributes to cardiovascular changes, so menopause alone cannot explain the cause of any individual symptom.
The three symptoms he identifies are chest pressure or discomfort, including discomfort that feels like indigestion; becoming breathless doing routine tasks or exercise that was previously manageable; and an irregular or racing heartbeat that persists. Jogiya says heart-related symptoms in women can also include nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen.
Palpitations can occur during menopause and may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety or hot flashes, according to Jogiya. He says persistent or irregular palpitations, particularly when paired with breathlessness, chest pain or faintness, should be assessed. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or a portable heart monitor to investigate a possible rhythm problem.
Recognizing Symptoms Beyond Hot Flashes
The report’s practical point is that symptoms often associated with menopause can overlap with signs of cardiovascular problems. Treating new or worsening symptoms as hormonal without assessment could delay care, while assuming every palpitation signals heart disease could cause unnecessary alarm. Jogiya’s advice is to seek an assessment when symptoms are new, recurring or affecting everyday activity, and to use emergency services when warning signs suggest an urgent problem.
Jogiya says risk factors that deserve attention include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of premature heart disease. He also names premature menopause, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension as relevant history to share with a clinician. The report presents these as factors for clinical consideration, not a diagnosis or a prediction of an individual woman’s risk.
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Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
Menopause is a reproductive milestone, but the report frames it as a period when cardiovascular risk factors may also change. Jogiya says lower estrogen levels can coincide with rises in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, as well as changes in body fat and insulin resistance. He cautions that these changes happen gradually and that aging also plays a role.
Alongside symptom awareness, the report relays three prevention steps recommended by Jogiya: aim for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week and include strength training; choose a heart-conscious eating pattern with vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt; and have blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checked. These are recommendations attributed to the cardiologist, not findings from a study described in the report.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr. Roy Jogiya, cardiologist and chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, as quoted by Fit&Well
Symptoms Need Individual Assessment
The supplied report does not provide a publication date, original study data or a formal clinical guideline behind the advice. It also does not establish that menopause causes any particular person’s chest discomfort, breathlessness or palpitations. These symptoms can have multiple causes, and their significance depends on a person’s health history and clinical assessment.
The report does not quantify how much menopause changes cardiovascular risk or specify a diagnostic threshold for when a symptom is considered persistent. Its recommendations are attributed to Jogiya. Anyone with concerns should contact a qualified health professional; emergency symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
When to Seek Medical Care
According to the report, call local emergency services if you think you may be having a heart attack, even if you are unsure. Warning signs include new chest pressure or discomfort, particularly with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. Emergency care is also advised for palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting, as well as severe breathlessness, collapse or possible stroke signs. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.
Arrange a medical assessment for new or recurring palpitations, unexplained breathlessness, recurrent dizziness or reduced ability to exercise. Jogiya also advises urgent medical advice if symptoms are worsening, or if palpitations accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness or faintness have stopped. A clinician can decide whether tests such as an ECG or heart monitor are appropriate and review individual risk factors and prevention options.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the report say not to dismiss?
It lists new chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness during familiar activities, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms do not by themselves confirm a heart problem, but Jogiya says they may warrant assessment.
When should someone call emergency services?
The report advises calling local emergency services if a heart attack is possible, including with new chest pressure or discomfort, especially alongside sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also advises emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting.
Can menopause-related palpitations be harmless?
Jogiya says palpitations are common during menopause and can be associated with hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, anxiety or hot flashes. Persistent or irregular beats, or palpitations with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness, should be assessed by a health professional.
What checks or habits does the cardiologist recommend?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise weekly with strength training, and eating a diet centered on vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt. A clinician can advise what is appropriate for an individual.
Source: fitandwell.com
