Women over 50 should develop a habit of regular evening walks, according to cardiologist Sarah Mathis, as cited by Infobae. According to the specialist, walking outside for 15-20 minutes can significantly reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases, which increases during menopause.
Mathis notes that moderate physical activity helps lower blood pressure. Walking also helps increase the level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), the so-called "good" cholesterol, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis.
Moreover, walking helps to regulate the level of cortisol and other stress hormones, the excess of which is associated with deterioration of the vascular wall and an increase in the load on the heart.
Menopause has a significant impact on stress levels. This is due to a sharp drop in the level of female sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. Estrogens regulate serotonin, dopamine, and other neurotransmitters that affect mood and resistance to stress. Decreased estrogen levels increase anxiety, irritability, and vulnerability to depression. Moreover, psycho-emotional stress during menopause can be perceived as more severe.
According to the doctor, reducing chronic stress during physical activity is especially beneficial. The specialist emphasized that stress has a particularly severe impact on women's health during and after menopause. Maintaining psycho-emotional balance during this period is an important element in the prevention of heart diseases.
