Listening to Your Heart: What Women Over 60 Need to Know

As women age, conversations about menopause often focus on hot flashes, sleep changes, or hormones. But one of the biggest health risks after menopause is talked about far less: heart disease.In this episode of Strength in Seasons, we explore why cardiovascular risk increases after menopause, how hormonal changes affect heart health, and why the warning signs of heart disease in women can look very different than the symptoms many people expect.For decades, heart attack symptoms were primarily studied through the lens of men’s experiences. But women are more likely to experience subtle or unusual symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, jaw pain, upper back discomfort, or sudden exhaustion—symptoms that are often dismissed as stress, aging, or menopause itself.And that lack of awareness can delay life-saving care.This conversation is about helping women over 60 better understand their bodies, recognize potential warning signs, and feel empowered to prioritize heart health during and after menopause.We also discuss the connection between menopause and cardiovascular disease, the role estrogen plays in protecting the heart, and practical ways women can support long-term wellness through nutrition, movement, screenings, and self-advocacy.You’ll Learn:Why cardiovascular risk increases after menopauseHow declining estrogen levels affect heart healthWhy heart attack symptoms in women can look different than in menCommon warning signs women over 60 should never ignoreThe connection between menopause symptoms and cardiovascular symptomsHow fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, jaw pain, and back pain may signal heart issuesWhy women’s symptoms are sometimes overlooked or misdiagnosedLifestyle habits that support heart health after menopauseThe role nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress management play in cardiovascular wellnessWhy preventive screenings and regular checkups become even more important with ageHow to advocate for yourself when something feels “off”Whether you’re navigating menopause yourself, caring for aging parents, or simply trying to better understand women’s health after 60, this episode offers practical insight and critical awareness around one of the most important, and often overlooked, aspects of healthy aging.Because listening to your heart means listening to your body, trusting what it’s telling you, and taking your health seriously at every stage of life.