TL;DR
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Cardiologist Roy Jogiya told Fit&Well that menopause-related changes can affect cardiovascular risk and that three symptoms should not be dismissed: new chest discomfort, breathlessness during usual activities and persistent or irregular palpitations. The symptoms do not establish a heart problem, but some combinations require emergency care; new or recurring symptoms should be assessed by a clinician.
A cardiologist has advised women going through menopause not to dismiss new chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness or persistent irregular heartbeats as hormonal symptoms. In a report by Fit&Well, Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, said these symptoms can warrant medical assessment, while chest pain with warning signs such as sweating or nausea may require an emergency response.
Jogiya said falling estrogen levels during menopause can affect blood vessels and cholesterol. He told Fit&Well that LDL cholesterol may rise, blood pressure may increase, and some women may develop more abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He also cautioned that these changes occur gradually and that aging contributes, so menopause is not the only possible factor behind changes in cardiovascular health.
The three symptoms he singled out are new chest pressure or discomfort, including sensations that resemble indigestion; becoming breathless while doing familiar everyday tasks or exercise; and a racing or irregular heartbeat that persists. Jogiya said heart attack symptoms in women can also include breathlessness, nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen. Symptoms vary, and no single description can determine whether a person is having a heart attack.
Palpitations can be common during menopause and are often harmless, Jogiya said. Hormonal changes, poor sleep, anxiety and hot flashes can make the heartbeat more noticeable. But he advised assessment for persistent or irregular palpitations, particularly when accompanied by chest pain, breathlessness or faintness. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor to investigate a possible rhythm problem.
Recognizing Symptoms During Menopause
The advice matters because symptoms that may have several causes can be incorrectly written off as part of menopause. Chest discomfort and sudden breathlessness can signal an urgent problem, while a change in exercise tolerance or recurring palpitations may merit a timely check even if symptoms are less severe. The report does not establish that menopause itself causes an individual symptom or that anyone experiencing these signs has heart disease.
Jogiya identified factors that may raise concern, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of premature heart disease. He also named premature menopause and pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension as cardiovascular risk markers. Sharing this history with a health professional can help inform an individual assessment.
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Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
The Fit&Well report presents Jogiya’s clinical advice rather than findings from a new research study. He described menopause as a point when changes in estrogen levels can coincide with shifts in cardiovascular risk factors, while noting that aging also plays a role. The report gives no data on how often the three symptoms indicate heart disease or how much menopause changes an individual woman’s risk.
Jogiya recommended regular activity, including a target of 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week and strength training, alongside a diet featuring vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil and lower in saturated fat and salt. He also advised checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. These are general prevention suggestions in the report, not a substitute for clinical advice tailored to a person’s health.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, speaking to Fit&Well
When Symptoms Need Assessment
The symptoms described are not specific to heart disease, and the source report does not provide evidence that they are caused by menopause in any particular person. It is not possible to diagnose a heart attack or rhythm disorder from symptoms alone; medical assessment is needed. The report also does not identify a publication date or offer new study data, and it does not quantify the likelihood that any symptom signals a cardiac condition.
Jogiya advised calling emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, even when uncertain. The report says new chest pressure or discomfort—especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness—should prompt emergency help, as should palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting. It also lists severe breathlessness, collapse and signs of stroke as emergencies. Emergency numbers vary by location; the source gives 911 for the United States and 999 for the United Kingdom.
For non-emergency concerns, Jogiya advised arranging a medical assessment for new or recurring palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, recurrent dizziness or unexplained breathlessness. He also said worsening symptoms, or palpitations that occurred with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness but have stopped, warrant urgent medical advice.
Checks and Follow-Up Care
The next step for anyone with concerning symptoms is to follow local emergency guidance or contact a health professional, depending on the severity and combination of symptoms. A clinician can review the person’s symptoms and risk factors and decide whether checks such as an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor are appropriate. The source does not describe a specific planned study, policy change or follow-up announcement.
For prevention, Jogiya recommended discussing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks with a health professional, especially when risk factors are present. His exercise and dietary suggestions are general guidance; individual plans may differ depending on health and ability. The report’s central message is to seek assessment rather than assume new or persistent symptoms are hormonal.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the cardiologist say not to ignore?
Dr Roy Jogiya highlighted new chest discomfort, unexplained breathlessness during usual tasks or exercise, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms can have different causes and do not, by themselves, confirm heart disease.
When should someone call emergency services?
The report advises calling emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, including for new chest pressure or discomfort with signs such as sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also says palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness, as well as severe breathlessness or collapse, require emergency attention.
Are palpitations during menopause always a sign of heart disease?
No. Jogiya said palpitations are common during menopause and are often harmless; hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety and hot flashes can make the heartbeat more noticeable. Persistent or irregular palpitations, especially with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness, should be assessed.
What checks and habits did the cardiologist recommend?
Jogiya recommended discussing checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar with a health professional. His general suggestions also include 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, strength training and a diet with vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil, while limiting saturated fat and salt.
Source: fitandwell.com
