Menopause and Heart Disease: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Jayne Morgan

About this video

• Video Title: Menopause and Heart Disease: What Every Woman Needs to Know with Dr. Jayne Morgan
• Channel: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, MD
• Speakers: Dr. Mary Claire Haver, Dr. Jayne Morgan
• Duration: 01:24:19

Overview

This video features a conversation between Dr. Mary Claire Haver and cardiologist Dr. Jayne Morgan, focusing on the critical link between menopause and heart disease. They discuss the historical neglect of women's cardiovascular health in medical research and practice, the unique ways heart disease can present in women, and the importance of recognizing menopause as a significant risk factor for heart and brain health. The conversation also touches upon the need for better sex-specific research, diagnostic disparities, and the impact of hormonal changes on women's cardiovascular systems.

Key takeaways

• Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women, yet awareness is declining, with a significant drop in women recognizing it as their primary health threat.
• Medical training and research have historically overlooked women's specific health needs, leading to a "male model" bias in understanding and treating heart disease, resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed care for women.
• Women often experience "atypical" symptoms of heart attacks such as fatigue, nausea, jaw pain, and indigestion, which can be mistaken for other conditions like panic attacks or indigestion, leading to misdiagnosis and delayed treatment.
• Menopause significantly impacts cardiovascular health due to fluctuating and declining estrogen levels, which can lead to arterial stiffness, increased LDL cholesterol, and a higher risk of heart disease and stroke, making it a critical window for prevention.
• There are significant knowledge gaps and biases in how medical professionals are trained regarding women's heart health, from understanding menopause as a risk factor to recognizing specific symptoms and the impact of hormonal changes.