Ep 34 | Heart Disease and Perimenopause: The Risk Factors We're Missing

When we talk about perimenopause, we talk a lot about symptoms, but not nearly enough about what's happening to your heart. Since February is Heart Health Month, it's the perfect time to take a "beat" to focus on your cardiovascular health. In this episode of OvaryActive, the Docs zoom out from hot flashes and hormones to talk about the number one killer of women: cardiovascular disease. They also explain why the menopause transition is a critical (and often ignored) window for heart health.  Preventive cardiologist Dr. Beth Abramson joins Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su and Dr. Amy Voedisch to connect the dots between perimenopause, estrogen changes, and rising cardiovascular risk.  They talk about why cholesterol and blood pressure tend to creep up after ovarian function declines and how lifestyle factors actually matter more than we'd like them to. This conversation reframes midlife as an opportunity, not a countdown.  The takeaway? You're not doomed, but you do need to pay attention. Your heart has been quietly keeping score this whole time. What you'll hear in this episode: [0:28] Welcome Dr. Beth Abramson [1:20] Heart health 101 [5:21] Understanding risk factors and prevention [7:30] Diet & exercise: practical advice [12:34] Menopause & cardiovascular health [16:30] Pregnancy & long-term heart health [24:11] Lp(a) explained [26:29] Hormones ≠ heart shield [32:14] Risk–Benefit Math [40:16] What the future holds [44:07] Basic health practices are important [44:36] A few final thoughts on heart health   Resources: cardiometabolicprevent.ca Follow the show @OvaryActive Instagram | YouTube   Meet the Docs: More information about Dr. Rebecca Dunsmoor-Su:  Gennev:  www.gennev.com/clinician/dr-rebecca-dunsmoor-su LinkedIn @rebecca-dunsmoor-su   More information about Dr. Amy Voedisch: Stanford Medical Clinic: stanfordhealthcare.org/doctors/v/amy-voedisch.html