Into the Heart

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

A Hot Flash … A Burst of Oxidative Stress

During a hot flash the blood vessels close to the skin open wider than usual. This allows for more blood flow which generates a sense of warmth. Perspiration then occurs on the skin to cool down the body.

A burst of oxidative stress also accompanies a hot flash. The oxidative stress causes LDL cholesterol in the arteries to essentially brew contributing to inflamed, stiffened coronary arteries. Oxidative stress also wears down the protective inner lining of the artery: the endothelium. This leads to torn and tightened arteries.

For post menopausal women who experience ongoing hot flashes it is cardio protective to diminish the occurrence of hot flashes and counteract the bursts of oxidative stress. Berries, red peppers and prunes are high in water soluble inner cell antioxidants.

However, the oxidative stress that accompanies a hot flash effects the fat soluble membrane of the cell. Enhancing vitamin E intake will be beneficial because vitamin E is the prime cell membrane stabilizer and antioxidant. Vitamin E does not necessarily reduce hot flashes but is able to provide cellular protection from oxidative stress.

The daily reference intakes for vitamin E is 15 mg. One quarter cup a sunflower seeds has 17 mg of vitamin E. Olive oil and wheat germ oil are also good sources of vitamin E. Vitamin E also helps reduce production of thromboxane A2 which causes platelet clumping.

Source:
Influence of the presence of hot flashes during menopause on the metabolism of nitric oxide.
Med Clin (Barc). 2000 Jan 22;114(2):41-5
Leal Hernandez M, Abellan Alernan J

Hot Flashes and Systolic Blood Pressure

The hormone estrogen has a regulatory role in arterial structure and function. During the menopausal transition estrogen fluctuations, primarily diminished estrogen contributes to vasomotor symptoms: hot flashes.

While hot flashes are disruptive there is more serious reason to be concerned. According to a study noted in Menopause 2007, menopausal women with hot flashes tend to have elevated systolic blood pressure when compared to menopausal women who do not experience hot flashes. Elevated systolic blood pressure contributes to damaged, stiff arteries which increases cardiovascular risk. Torn damaged arteries stimulate a cascade of inflammatory cellular mediators which leads to arterial build-up an plaque.

The association between hot flashes and systolic blood pressure is independent of age, race/ethnicity, body mass index, and menopausal status. Hot flashes were not associated with changes in diastolic blood pressure.

Milled flaxseed, (calcium enriched & organic soy milk nice/nurturing) soy nuts, the supplement pycnogenol and soy based estrogen replacement (cream, gel or patch) are all options to help diminish hot flashes in menopausal and post menopausal women.

Source:
Hot flashes are associated with increased ambulatory systolic blood pressure.
Menopause. 2007; 14:308-315.
Gerber LM, et al.