In 2020, nearly half (48%) of Americans are struggling with a vascular complication or heart disease. This includes hypertension, type 2 diabetes and hypercholesterolemia. Women undergoing menopause have a sharp increase in these factors. Not only that, but traditional risk factors are less predictive of cardiovascular risk for women than men. (Calroy Health Sciences, 2020)
Despite these statistics, many women are unaware of their cardiovascular risk. Studies show that less than half the women reported feeling informed about their disease risk. Only 53% of women would call 911 if they thought they were experiencing a heart attack. Major coronary events also present very different in women and may be overlooked by the patient or clinician. (Calroy Health Sciences, 2020)
Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
In menopausal women, hot flashes have been correlated with endothelial dysfunction and associated with cardiovascular risk factors like hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Uncontrolled hypertension increases cardiovascular risk even prehypertension; even more than smoking—a 93% increase in stroke risk. Hypertension damages EGX and harbors anti-coagulation. (Calroy Health Sciences, 2020) Identifying women at risk of endothelial dysfunction and communicating that risk is essential. Supporting post-menopausal women’s vascular systems can make a difference in their vascular and overall health.
Treatment of Menopausal Symptoms and Cardiovascular Issues
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a way to give some of the estrogen back and help regulate common menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, as well as prevent osteoporosis. Estrogen products are commonly taken orally as a pill, applied to the skin with a cream or a patch, or taken intravaginally. Taken alone, estrogen can increase a woman’s chance of developing endometrial cancer (cancer in the uterine lining) Estrogen is often prescribed with progesterone to mitigate or reverse the growth of endometrial cells. For women who have had hysterectomies, this overgrowth of cells is not an issue, so estrogen is prescribed by itself. The Women’s Health Initiative, a long-term National Institutes of Health-funded study tested the effects of hormone replacement therapy among postmenopausal women. Two groups of women were studied: women with an intact womb who took estrogen with progesterone or a lookalike placebo, and women who had prior hysterectomies and took estrogen only or a placebo. Neither group showed any cardiovascular benefit from the hormone, and both groups showed a slight increase for stroke and thrombosis (blood clotting). As a result of this important study, hormone therapy is not recommended for cardiac protection after menopause. (John Hopkins, 2020) As you can see, treatment in the form of traditional medicine is fraught with side effects and potential devastating outcomes.
Natural, Non-Pharmaceutical Treatments and Therapies for Post-Menopausal/Cardiovascular Symptoms, Issues and Diseases
Functional Medicine treats the patient as a whole person seeking to find the root causes of the symptoms and medical diagnosis. It is a partnership between the patient and doctor seeking to commit to a regime of healthy living through nutrition, exercise, affirmative thinking, lifestyle changes, therapy and nutritional supplementation including Arterosil®. It all begins with a series of medical testing that can include blood tests, food sensitivity testing, metal toxicity testing, adrenal stress profile, advanced cardiometabolic testing, comprehensive stool analysis and genetic testing. Questions and conversations between doctor and patient also occur to discover lifestyle, environment, stress factors, health history, etc. to get a complete picture before recommendations are made for treatment.
Cardiovascular Screening with Max Pulse
It is true that hormones are powerful chemical messengers that play a role in virtually all major bodily systems and functions including your vascular system. Early detection is imperative as cardiovascular diseases often show no symptoms at all and that is why they are often called the “silent killers.” A 3-minute cardiovascular assessment with Max Pulse will provide valuable information to determine your risk of cardiovascular related diseases.
AO Scan Digital Body Analyzer
The AO Scan detects energetic disturbances in the body exactly where they are. It can identify existing conditions and find potential problem areas. The scan takes as little as 15 minutes and after the imbalances have been identified, it works to correct the frequencies in problem areas. With repeated scans, the body begins to correct itself.
Hyperbaric Low-Pressure Oxygen Therapy
Hyperbaric therapy increases the amount of oxygen your body can carry. This oxygen is increased to three times higher than normal pressure. This temporarily restores normal levels of blood gases and tissue function to promote healing and fighting infection. Increased oxygen reduces swelling and allows new blood vessels to grow more rapidly into affected areas. Patients report an improvement in general health and overall appearance.
Pressotherapy
Helps heal the body by boosting both blood circulation and lymphatic drainage. This improves blood circulation, removes toxins and reduces stress.
Hyperthermic Ozone and Carbonic Acid Treatment
The benefits of ozone facilitate the best strategies for optimal wellness and vitality both topically and systemically. The immune system is stimulated to promote healing. This helps to clean arteries and veins improving circulation. The treatment oxidizes toxins to facilitate their excretion, calms nerves and increases blood flow while naturally decreasing blood pressure.
LED Red Light Bed Therapy
Improves blood pressure, repairs nerve damage, destroys bacteria and increases circulation.
To learn more call Michigan Health and Wellness for a FREE consultation. Functional Medicine, Functional Neurology, and their relation to the treatment of menopausal symptoms and their relation to cardiovascular issues are managed by our clinical director, Dr. Tony Aboudib, DC. Dr. Aboudib attended post-graduate studies at Carrick Institute for graduate studies in clinical neuroscience, American Functional Neurology Institute, Functional Medicine University, Institute of Functional Medicine and Kharrazian Institute for graduate studies.
For more information call 231-421-5213 or learn more about the therapies listed above on our Services We Offer page.
References
Estrogen, Cardiovascular Risk and the Endothelium, Page 1. (2020, n.a.). Calroy Health Sciences.
Do Menopausal women have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease? (2020, n.a.) John Hopkins Medicine. Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/menopause-and-the-cardiovascular-system
Disclaimer: The information provided in our blog posts is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. While we strive to share knowledge and insights on health-related topics, this content should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional regarding any medical concerns or decisions related to your health and well-being.
