Why Women’s Heart Disease Risk Increases with Age
When we think of heart disease, most people picture it as a “man’s problem.” But the truth is, heart disease in women is the leading cause of death—and the risk for women becomes just as high as men’s as they age. This increase is strongly linked to the natural decline in estrogen that occurs during menopause. Estrogen plays a protective role in blood vessels and cholesterol metabolism, so as levels fall, the risk for high cholesterol, arterial plaque, and cardiovascular events rises. On top of this, women naturally have smaller arteries and smaller hearts, which makes them more vulnerable to blockages and heart complications. This combination means that women over the age of 50 need to be especially mindful of their cardiovascular health.
Why Women’s Heart Disease Risk Often Goes Unrecognized
Unfortunately, the medical community has historically under-recognized women’s heart health concerns. While men are often screened aggressively for cardiovascular risk, women may not receive the same level of attention until symptoms are advanced. In fact, many women’s symptoms of heart disease presents differently than men’s and are sometimes dismissed or attributed to stress, anxiety or aging. This makes it even more important for women to be proactive. If you’re approaching perimenopause, menopause, or beyond, it’s vital to take your menopause and heart disease risk seriously. Early screening and preventive measures can make all the difference in protecting your heart before disease develops.
Naturopathic Strategies to Protect Women’s Heart Health
The good news is that women can take proactive steps to reduce their heart disease risk and strengthen their cardiovascular system. At Inland Naturopathic Wellness Center in Upland, CA, we focus on a comprehensive, preventive approach to functional heart health. Nutritional and botanical therapies that support hormonal balance can make a real difference and bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT) may be an option for restoring protective estrogen levels under professional guidance. Beyond hormone support, advanced testing is key: advanced lipid screening goes far beyond standard cholesterol tests to reveal hidden risks, while a Cleerly CT angiogram for heart disease can detect arterial disease and precisely measure plaque buildup, along with determining plaque stability and vulnerability. That means it tells us how risky the plaque is. A Cleerly CT angiogram also provides a baseline to guide treatment.
Take Charge of Your Heart Health Today
Heart disease in women is both preventable and manageable when identified early. By staying informed, requesting appropriate screenings, and embracing holistic care, women can take charge of their health. At Inland Naturopathic Wellness Center, your trusted naturopathic doctors in the Inland Empire, we are here to guide you with natural therapies, hormone support, and advanced screenings to help you protect your heart. Don’t wait for symptoms—start prioritizing your women’s heart health today and enjoy vibrant wellness for years to come.
Dr. Ayo Bankole
Ayo Bankole is a licensed Naturopathic Doctor treating persons with heart disease, diabetes, inflammation, and other environmental and lifestyle related conditions. He also possesses advanced training in environmental medicine and uses IV nutritional therapy, detoxification, and chelation therapy.
He is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine www.a4m.com, American Academy for the Advancement of Medicine www.acam.org, the and the California Association of Naturopathic Doctors www.cand.org.
To learn more about our approach to treating heart disease call 909-981-9200 to schedule your FREE DISCOVERY CALL.