Menopause And Heart Health: How To Build Heart-Helping Habits

For Indian women navigating menopause, technology can be a valuable ally in staying consistent with treatment and integrating heart-healthy habits into daily life

In India, menopause remains a largely unspoken topic despite its significant impact on women’s lives. For many Indian women, the silence around menopause leads to limited awareness about its health implications. Beyond common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, menopause can contribute to serious health issues such as heart disease and a reduced quality of life. It’s time to break the silence and bring menopause into the spotlight.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in India, making the connection between menopause and heart health especially critical. As women enter their mid-40s and beyond, the natural decline in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to a rise in cholesterol. This hormonal shift puts women at greater risk of developing high levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood (known as dyslipidemia) and, consequently, heart attacks or strokes.

Dr. Rohita Shetty, Medical Affairs Head, Abbott India, shares all you need to know:

Why is it difficult to maintain heart-healthy habits?

For many Indian women, menopause coincides with a life stage when they juggle careers, caregiving, and family responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care. Combined with fatigue and sleep disturbances caused by menopause, maintaining consistent heart-healthy habits such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management becomes increasingly difficult.

Yet, about 3 out of 4 cases of heart disease are preventable. Acquiring and maintaining heart-healthy habits may not be easy, but it’s crucial. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and effective stress management play an essential role in supporting both heart and hormonal health.

Why are daily medications missed?

Taking medications consistently every day helps maintain their protective benefits and prevents serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Skipping doses can undo progress and put one’s health at risk.

Globally, nearly half of patients fail to take prescribed medicines properly, and close to one-third never even fill their prescriptions. These barriers to adherence can be even more pronounced for women experiencing menopause. Fatigue, disrupted routines, and competing priorities make it harder to sustain new habits including taking daily medication.

Leveraging technology to navigate the next chapter

In an increasingly digital India, technology holds the promise of bridging healthcare gaps. Regardless of the type of medication prescribed, there are now apps designed to support adherence and encourage healthy routines. Acting as a personal coach, these digital tools provide reminders, track progress, and offer customized health insights making it easier for women to stay on track.

A recent proof-of-concept study published in Frontiers in Digital Health found that digital habit-tracking apps, such as a:care, can help people with high cholesterol stay consistent with their treatment.

Why does this matter for women undergoing menopause?

For Indian women navigating menopause, technology can be a valuable ally in staying consistent with treatment and integrating heart-healthy habits into daily life. Heart health is vital and during menopause, it becomes even more so.

The combination of personalized care, adherence support, and modern technology has the potential to transform challenges into opportunities. With greater awareness and the right resources, women can approach this new chapter of life with strength, resilience, and renewed spirit.