Hot Flashes a Matter of Her Heart

Emerging research suggests underlying vascular changes among women with hot flashes.

The study noted below examined associations between hot flashes and indices of subclinical cardiovascular disease including flow mediated dilation , coronary artery calcification , and aortic calcification.

Impaired flow mediated dilation is an indicator of endothelial dysfunction. The endothelium is the protective inner lining of the artery. Upon calcification arteries become easily damaged and stiff. The heart then has to pump harder and will wear out faster.

In the study noted hot flashes were associated with significantly lower flow mediated dilation and greater coronary artery and aortic calcification in age and race adjusted models.

Keep in mind pectin , the soluble fiber in prunes helps inhibit aortic calcification. Additionally, Vitamin K-2 is required for the activation of the vascular protein MGP (Matrix Gla Protein) , which is the primary inhibitor of arterial calcification. Butter and cheese produced from grass feed cows, and fermented foods contain vitamin K-2.

For postmenopausal women diminishing hot flashes is a serious matter of the heart.

From the Study of Women’s Health Across the Nation Heart Study. Participants were 492 women (35% black, 65% white) 45 to 58 years of age who were free of clinical cardiovascular disease and had a uterus and at least one ovary.

Source:
Hot Flashes and Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease
Circulation. 2008;118:1234-1240.
American Heart Association, Inc. 2008