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Cardiologist Roy Jogiya says women going through menopause should not assume new chest discomfort, breathlessness during familiar activities or persistent palpitations are hormonal. The symptoms can have several causes, and some require emergency care; the report also recommends checking cardiovascular risk factors with a clinician.
A Fit&Well report has highlighted three symptoms during menopause that cardiologist Dr Roy Jogiya says women should not dismiss as hormonal: new chest discomfort, breathlessness during everyday activity or exercise, and persistent or irregular heartbeats. The warning matters because chest symptoms and palpitations can sometimes signal an urgent heart problem, although the report does not establish that these symptoms are caused by menopause or heart disease in any individual.
Jogiya, identified by Fit&Well as chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says falling estrogen levels during menopause can coincide with changes in cardiovascular risk. He describes possible rises in LDL cholesterol and blood pressure, alongside changes in abdominal fat and insulin resistance. Aging also contributes, he says, and the changes can happen gradually. These are general observations, not a diagnosis of what is causing a particular person’s symptoms.
The first symptom he flags is new chest pressure or discomfort, which may feel like indigestion rather than the severe chest pain many people associate with a heart attack. Jogiya says a heart attack can also involve breathlessness, nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen. The report advises calling emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, even when there is uncertainty; readers should use the emergency number where they are, such as 911 in the United States or 999 in the United Kingdom.
The other symptoms are new breathlessness during an activity that previously felt manageable and persistent or irregular palpitations. Jogiya says palpitations are common in menopause and often harmless; hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, anxiety and hot flashes can make the heartbeat more noticeable. But palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness call for emergency attention. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor to investigate a suspected rhythm problem.
When Menopause Symptoms Need Attention
The practical point is not that these symptoms prove a heart condition, but that new, recurring or worsening changes deserve appropriate attention instead of being written off as menopause. Delaying help for a possible heart attack can be dangerous, while a medical assessment can help distinguish a rhythm issue from symptoms associated with hot flashes, anxiety or disrupted sleep. The report gives symptom guidance, not a substitute for individual medical advice.
Jogiya also identifies risk factors that can shape a person’s cardiovascular risk: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of early heart disease. He says premature menopause and pregnancy complications, including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related high blood pressure, can also be relevant markers. Sharing this history with a clinician may help inform risk assessment.
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Estrogen, Aging and Cardiovascular Risk
The report frames menopause as a time when reproductive changes and cardiovascular health can intersect. Jogiya says estrogen helps support healthy blood vessels and regulate cholesterol, while estrogen levels fall during menopause. He also stresses that aging contributes, so the report does not attribute every change in blood pressure, cholesterol or body composition to menopause alone.
Alongside symptom awareness, Jogiya recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, strength training, and a diet featuring vegetables, whole grains, nuts and olive oil, with less saturated fat and salt. He also advises checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. These are general prevention suggestions in the source report; suitability and targets can vary, so people with health conditions or concerns should discuss plans with a healthcare professional.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr Roy Jogiya, cardiologist and chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, speaking to Fit&Well
What Symptoms Can—and Cannot—Show
The report does not provide new clinical research, prevalence figures or evidence that menopause directly caused any specific heart event. It presents guidance from one cardiologist and does not quantify how often the three symptoms reflect heart disease. Chest discomfort, breathlessness and palpitations can have multiple causes, and the source does not offer a way for readers to diagnose those causes themselves.
It also does not provide a publication date in the supplied material or report responses from other clinicians or health organizations. Individual risk depends on medical history and other factors; the listed symptoms and risk markers are not a complete assessment. Anyone unsure about symptoms should seek professional advice, and possible emergency symptoms should not wait for a routine appointment.
Seek Care and Check Risk Factors
People with new or recurring palpitations, reduced ability to exercise, recurrent dizziness or unexplained breathlessness should arrange a medical assessment, according to Jogiya. He says worsening symptoms, or palpitations that occurred alongside chest pain, breathlessness or faintness and have since stopped, warrant urgent medical advice. A clinician can decide whether tests such as an ECG or portable heart monitor are appropriate.
For possible heart attack symptoms, palpitations with chest pain or breathlessness, fainting, severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke, the report advises contacting emergency services. The source sets out no further research or policy milestone. Its practical next steps are to assess concerning symptoms and discuss blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and personal risk history with a healthcare professional.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the report say not to ignore?
It flags new chest discomfort, breathlessness during familiar everyday activities 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 says to call if a heart attack is suspected, including with new chest pressure or discomfort, especially alongside sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also advises emergency help for palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness, as well as severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke. Use the emergency number for your location.
Are palpitations always a sign of a heart problem?
No. Jogiya says palpitations are common during menopause and often harmless; factors such as hot flashes, anxiety and disrupted sleep can make the heartbeat more noticeable. Persistent or irregular palpitations, especially with other warning symptoms, should be assessed.
What checks and habits does the report recommend?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, along with regular moderate exercise, strength training and a heart-healthy eating pattern. These are general recommendations; people should discuss individual symptoms, risk factors and exercise plans with a healthcare professional.
Source: fitandwell.com
