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Menopause brings more than hormonal changes: it also affects heart health. Here's How Awareness, Lifestyle, and Technology Can Help Women Protect Their Hearts
For Indian women going through menopause, technology can be a valuable ally in maintaining consistency with treatment and integrating heart-healthy habits into daily life.
In India, menopause remains a largely unspoken topic despite its significant impact on women's lives. For many Indian women, the silence around menopause leads to limited awareness about its health implications. Beyond common symptoms like hot flashes and mood swings, menopause can contribute to serious health problems, such as heart disease and a reduced quality of life. It's time to break the silence and put menopause in the spotlight.
Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of mortality in India, making the connection between menopause and heart health especially critical. As women reach age 40 and older, the natural decline in estrogen and progesterone levels can lead to an increase in cholesterol. This hormonal change puts women at greater risk of developing high levels of cholesterol and other lipids in the blood (known as dyslipidemia) and, consequently, heart attacks or strokes.
Dr. Rohita Shetty, Head of Medical Affairs, Abbott India, shares everything you need to know:
Why is it difficult to maintain heart-healthy habits?
For many Indian women, menopause coincides with a time in life when they juggle careers, caregiving and family responsibilities, leaving little time for self-care. Combined with the fatigue and sleep disorders caused by menopause, maintaining consistent heart-healthy habits, such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition, and stress management, becomes increasingly difficult.
However, about 3 out of 4 cases of heart disease are preventable. Forming and maintaining heart-healthy habits may not be easy, but it is crucial. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and effective stress management play an essential role in supporting heart and hormonal health.
Why are daily medications skipped?
Taking medications consistently every day helps maintain their protective benefits and prevent serious complications such as heart attacks or strokes. Skipping doses can undo progress and put your health at risk.
Globally, almost half of patients do not properly take prescribed medications and nearly a third do not even fill them. These barriers to adherence may be even more pronounced for women experiencing menopause. Fatigue, disrupted routines, and competing priorities make it harder to maintain new habits, including taking daily medications.
Leveraging technology to navigate the next chapter
In an increasingly digital India, technology promises to close the gaps in healthcare. Regardless of the type of medication prescribed, there are now apps designed to support adherence and encourage healthy routines. Acting like a personal trainer, these digital tools provide reminders, track progress, and offer personalized health information, making it easier for women to stay on track.
A recent proof-of-concept study published in Frontiers in Digital Health found that digital habit-tracking apps, like a:care, can help people with high cholesterol stay consistent with their treatment.
Why is this important for women going through menopause?
For Indian women going through menopause, technology can be a valuable ally in maintaining consistency with treatment and integrating heart-healthy habits into daily life. Heart health is vital and during menopause it is even more so.
The combination of personalized attention, compliance support and modern technology has the potential to transform challenges into opportunities. With greater awareness and the right resources, women can face this new chapter of life with strength, resilience, and renewed spirit.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of experience, is not just a storyteller; she is a weaver of ingenuity and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read more
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of experience, is not just a storyteller; she is a weaver of ingenuity and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read more
October 19, 2025, 01:00 IST
