Menopause Can Trigger Heart Palpitations, Blood Pressure Spikes and Other Unexpected Changes

Your heart is racing. You feel a flutter in your chest. Is something wrong? If you’re in menopause, the answer might surprise you: These sensations could be related to this transitional period in life. From heart palpitations to changes in your resting heart rate, menopause can affect your heart in ways you might not expect. But here’s the empowering news: Understanding these changes puts you in control. We asked three top cardiologists to explain what’s happening and share the simple steps that can help your heart beat easier again. 

What is menopause?

“Menopause is when a woman’s monthly periods stop for 12 months in a row and there’s no other medical reason,” explains Kardie Tobb, DO, MS, FASPC, FACC, a board‑certified Medical Director for the Cone Health HeartCare Women’s heart Health and Cardio-Obstetrics Clinic. “Menopause happens between 45 to 55 years of age. During this time the ovaries slowly make less of the hormones estrogen and progesterone. That hormone change affects many parts of the body, including the heart and blood.”

Wellness

9 Sneaky Signs of Heart Disease in Women Over 50—Including Jaw Pain

When you think about cardiovascular disease, symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath likely leap to mind. But what are the sneaky, under-the-radar warning signs of heart disease in women that are easy to miss? We spoke to top cardiologists to learn about the subtler—but no less important—symptoms we need to watch out for […]

3 heart changes you may experience during menopause

Our experts reveal some of the most common menopause-related heart changes you may notice, including: 

Woman's World Answers

What are the benefits of metformin? What’s a normal body temperature for my age? Why do I keep waking up at 3 am? Can you really use vaginal estrogen on your face? How many types of diabetes are there? What are the benefits of metformin? What’s a normal body temperature for my age? Why do I keep waking up at 3 am? Can you really use vaginal estrogen on your face? How many types of diabetes are there?

What’s the best soup for a cold? Is there a link between trauma and autoimmune symptoms? How can I boost my longevity? What’s the best sugar-free candy for weight loss? What are the benefits of castor oil? What’s the best soup for a cold? Is there a link between trauma and autoimmune symptoms? How can I boost my longevity? What’s the best sugar-free candy for weight loss? What are the benefits of castor oil?

Powered by

Heart palpitations 

“Normally, we are not aware that our heart is beating,” says Bharat Sangani, MD, a cardiologist with practices in Gulfport, Mississippi and Dallas. “So when someone starts feeling their heartbeat, it is called heart palpitations. It can be described as racing, pounding, skipping, fluttering or flip-flopping.”

Dr. Sangani says many women notice heart palpitations during the menopausal transition, with symptoms often showing up in the years leading up to menopause and early on after it begins.

“[It] happens due to hormone swings,” adds Dr. Tobb. “Estrogen levels go up and down, then drop over time. Estrogen affects the nervous system and how the heart’s electrical system works. When estrogen shifts, the heart can become more ‘sensitive,’ leading to extra beats or a faster heartbeat.”

If you’ve experienced palpitations you know how unsettling it can feel, but can it be dangerous? “They usually are not dangerous,” says Dr. Sangani. “However, they should not be ignored, as sometimes they signal increased cardiovascular risk or a higher incidence of irregular heart rhythm called atrial fibrillation. They are usually benign if they only last for a few seconds, occur with hot flashes and [you do] not have any other heart disease.”

What to do: Dr. Tobb recommends pausing to practice slow, controlled breathing when experiencing heart palpitations. Try inhaling for four seconds and exhaling for eight, repeating the pattern until you feel steadier. She also suggests sitting or lying down if you become lightheaded and paying attention to potential triggers such as caffeine, alcohol or stress. Keeping a diary of when symptoms occur and what was happening at the time can help you identify patterns and share helpful details with your doctor.

An increased resting heart rate

“Resting heart rate is the number of heartbeats per minute when the body is at complete rest, typically measured after sitting or lying quietly for several minutes,” explains  Eddie Hackler, MD, a board-certified cardiologist and author currently practicing in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Dr. Tobb explains that a normal resting heart rate typically falls between 60 and 100 beats per minute. However, people who are very fit or physically active may naturally have a resting rate closer to 50 to 60 beats per minute.

Again, menopause can impact resting heart rate. “Estrogen helps blood vessels relax and affects how the heart and nervous system keep heart rate steady,” Dr. Tobb explains. “When estrogen drops, there can be more stress hormone activity which can lead to slightly higher heart rate.”  

Dr. Tobb adds that a higher or lower than normal resting heart rate on its own is often not cause for concern. However, if it’s accompanied by symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath or extreme fatigue, it should be evaluated by a medical provider.

What to do: If your resting heart rate feels off, certain lifestyle changes may help bring it back into balance. “Reduce caffeine and alcohol intake, stay hydrated, get adequate sleep, engage in regular aerobic exercise and practice stress management,” says Dr. Sangani. 

Dr. Tobb also recommends monitoring your resting heart rate and keeping a log to share with your doctor. You can track it using an inexpensive fingertip monitor or more advanced wearable device that measures multiple health metrics.

Wellness

Is Chest Pain Always a Heart Attack? What Causes It and When To Worry

Pain or tightness in your chest can be not only uncomfortable, but also unsettling. Especially when it comes seemingly out of nowhere and you’re not sure of the cause. Many of us immediately begin to worry about our heart health. And while a heart attack can cause chest pain, there are many other less serious […]

Blood pressure changes

The Cleveland Clinic explains that blood pressure describes how strongly circulating blood presses against artery walls as it moves throughout the body. A healthy blood pressure is considered below 120/80 mmHg, but you may find your BP readings creeping up into the “elevated” range during menopause.

Dr. Sangani explains that estrogen helps keep blood vessels flexible and responsive. As levels decline during menopause, that benefit fades, which can contribute to increased vessel stiffness and greater sensitivity to sodium, both of which may raise blood pressure.

Deal of the Day

This Deep Conditioning Collagen Hair Mask for Has 4.9 Stars and Is 80% Off — Get It for $20! View Deal

What to do: Dr. Sangani recommends reducing salt intake to help manage rising blood pressure during menopause. Dr. Tobb adds that sleep disruptions and heightened anxiety, both common during this life stage, may further contribute to increases in blood pressure. Focusing on improving sleep quality and incorporating stress-reduction strategies such as meditation or gentle yoga may help support healthier numbers.

The bottom line on menopause heart changes

Menopause brings changes to your body, your emotions and yes, even your heart. But here’s what’s empowering: Most of these changes are normal, manageable and often temporary. By understanding what’s happening, trying simple strategies that work for you and staying connected with your doctor, you’re taking charge of your heart health during this new chapter.

Ready for more inspiration? Subscribe to our YouTube channel for video podcasts, health tips and uplifting stories designed for women 40, 50, 60 and beyond.