Skipped Heartbeats or a Racing Heart are Often Common Symptoms of Perimenopause or Menopause.
Perimenopausal and menopausal women often experience heart palpitation symptoms on a more regular basis due to fluctuating hormones.
These heart palpitations symptoms will often only last a few seconds to a minute or two. If you are experiencing palpitations that are occurring more frequently or lasting for longer periods, immediately have an assessment performed by your doctor.
Women who are experiencing menopause usually expect hot flushes and night sweats but they can be surprised to find that other significant conditions like heart palpitations can also occur. They are a relatively common symptom of menopause, and they will often come in a range of intensities. They can range from a mild disturbance to extreme cases which would need to be evaluated by a cardiologist.
The British Heart Foundation (BHF) reports that women have a lower risk of coronary heart disease before menopause, with the risk slowly increasing afterward.
What are Heart Palpitations?
Heart palpitations are irregular heartbeats and are often noticed by people when they become aware of their heart beating as it moves out of its usual rhythm. This can have the feeling of a ripple in the chest.
Both women and men can experience heart palpitations; however, perimenopausal and menopausal women often experience them on a more regular basis due to their fluctuating hormones. Many women report palpitations during or after experiencing a hot flush.
The Cause of Menopause Heart Palpitations
Heart palpitations occur due to low levels of the female hormone oestrogen, this over stimulates the heart and causes the beat to become irregular or speed up.
During menopause, hormone production decreases which can cause an increase in the heart rate as well as the frequency in palpitations and non-threatening arrhythmias.
When Should You Visit the Doctor?
Heart palpitations are often harmless, however, they should not be ignored. If you are experiencing palpitations consult your doctor for a diagnosis purely to provide certainty that in your circumstance they are harmless and feature no abnormalities. This will not only give you peace of mind, but ensure that no medication or further evaluation is required.
This is particularly pertinent if the palpitations are coupled with shortness of breath, dizziness or any discomfort in the chest.
Menopause heart palpitations will increase the heart rate and can often be treated with natural methods such as various lifestyle changes and natural remedies. The following alterations can significantly reduce the occurrence of menopausal heart palpitations:
- Reducing the amount of caffeine in your diet
- Avoiding stimulants like cigarettes and alcohol
- Relaxation techniques like yoga and breathing exercises
If heart palpitation symptoms are coupled with shortness of breath, dizziness, or any discomfort in the chest you should contact a doctor immediately.
Heart Disease Medications and Risk
Many women consider the use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) pills to relieve their heart palpitation symptoms. This effective strategy should only be explored in consultation with a medically trained doctor, as it can also increase the risk of stroke or deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
It is important to note that for every woman, treatment options will be different, and each should find the appropriate form of relief for their personal situation with the help of medical professionals.
The Possible Results of Low Oestrogen
There is a range of outcomes from the drop in oestrogen levels that your body is experiencing during menopause which can lead to heart palpitation symptoms including;
- High blood pressure due to heart and blood vessels becoming stiff and less elastic. This can cause hypertension and place added strain on the heart
- High cholesterol due to a drop in good cholesterol (HDL) and a rise in bad cholesterol (LDL), increasing the risk of heart attack and heart disease
- Diabetes during menopause can cause women to be more resistant to insulin, which converts blood sugar to energy
- Weight gain as oestrogen affects how and where fat is stored and burned. Menopause slows down metabolism causing weight gain and extra stress on your heart
Menopause heart palpitations will increase the heart rate.
Heart Disease Prevention
As we get older, the risk of heart disease increases, particularly after menopause for women. Keeping the heart healthy is made easier with proper nutrition especially a diet of fruits and vegetables. Eating meat regularly is linked to a 60 percent increase in the risk of heart disease, while plant-based diets and proteins can benefit the heart.
Exercise is also beneficial as putting on excess weight can add strain to the heart and cause a rise in blood pressure.
Other Related Symptoms of Menopause
Because heart palpitations can make it seem as though your heart is beating faster than usual, skipping a beat or fluttering, it is normal to feel a sense of panic as these palpitations arise. There is no need to worry, and there is plenty of support to ensure that you can manage these changes in your body.
It is also essential that you are aware of the other menopause symptoms, along with heart palpitations, that women experiencing menopause can also experience including;
- Hot flushes or sweating
- Night sweats
- Vaginal dryness
- An irregular period or spotting
- Mood swings
- Difficulty sleeping
- Dry skin and hair
- Decreased sex drive
The Australian Menopause Centre Can Help
If heart palpitation symptoms or other symptoms of menopause are causing you concern contact our team here at the Australian Menopause Centre today, and our doctor will discuss your symptoms to determine the appropriate treatment options available.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, please do not hesitate to contact us on 1300883 405 to book a no obligation free first consultation and discuss your concerns with one of our doctors.
If you’re feeling depressed or anxious and fear you may have menopause depression, don’t wait for reaching out for help. Talking to qualified medical practitioners can support you through the struggles of menopause.