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Cardiologist Roy Jogiya says new chest discomfort, unexpected breathlessness and persistent or concerning palpitations during menopause should not automatically be dismissed as hormonal. The symptoms can have several causes, and his guidance is to seek emergency help for possible heart attack signs or palpitations with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness.
A cardiologist quoted by Fit&Well says women going through menopause should seek assessment for new chest discomfort, unexpected breathlessness or persistent palpitations, rather than assuming the symptoms are hormonal. Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, also advises calling emergency services for possible heart attack symptoms or palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness.
Jogiya told Fit&Well that falling estrogen levels during menopause can be accompanied by changes in LDL cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He said these changes develop gradually and that aging also affects cardiovascular health. The report does not present new research; it relays the cardiologist’s advice on symptoms and prevention.
The three symptoms he highlights are chest discomfort that could resemble indigestion, breathlessness during activity that was previously manageable, and an irregular or racing heartbeat that persists or comes with other symptoms. Jogiya said heart attack symptoms in women can also include nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen.
Palpitations can occur during menopause and are often harmless, Jogiya said. But he advises medical assessment if they persist, feel irregular, or occur with breathlessness, chest pain or faintness. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or a portable monitor to check for a heart rhythm problem, according to the report.
Recognizing Symptoms Beyond Hot Flashes
Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes and sleep disruption can draw attention away from cardiovascular changes. Jogiya’s guidance highlights why new or changing symptoms deserve attention: chest discomfort, reduced ability to exercise or palpitations may warrant an assessment, even though they do not by themselves establish a heart condition.
The advice also distinguishes between routine follow-up and potential emergencies. The report says to call emergency services for suspected heart attack symptoms, severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke. For new or recurring palpitations, unexplained breathlessness, recurrent dizziness or reduced exercise tolerance, it recommends arranging medical assessment. The appropriate response depends on the symptoms and their severity; the article is not a diagnosis.
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Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
Jogiya described menopause as a cardiovascular milestone as well as a reproductive one, while noting that aging also contributes to changes in risk factors. The report says women with hypertension, diabetes, high cholesterol, a smoking history, obesity or a strong family history of premature heart disease may be at greater risk, according to the cardiologist.
He also identified premature menopause and some pregnancy complications—including pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension—as risk markers that can be overlooked. The report recommends regular checks of blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar, alongside 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, strength training and a diet emphasizing vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, quoted by Fit&Well
Symptoms Need Individual Assessment
The report does not provide study data showing how often these symptoms during menopause reflect heart disease, nor does it establish that menopause caused any particular symptom. Palpitations and breathlessness have multiple possible causes, and the article offers general advice from one cardiologist rather than an individual medical assessment.
It also does not specify how readers should interpret a particular episode based on age, medical history or symptom duration. The source advises emergency care for warning signs and clinical assessment for new or recurring symptoms, but decisions about testing and treatment depend on a qualified clinician’s evaluation.
When to Seek Medical Care
For possible heart attack symptoms—including new chest pressure or discomfort, especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness—the report advises calling the local emergency number rather than waiting for symptoms to worsen. It gives 911 in the United States and 999 in the United Kingdom as examples. 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.
For symptoms that are new or recurring but not an immediate emergency, the next step described is to arrange an appointment with a doctor. A clinician can review risk factors and decide whether tests such as an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor are appropriate. Jogiya also recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar and discussing exercise and diet with a health professional.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the cardiologist say to watch for?
Dr Roy Jogiya highlights new chest discomfort, unexpected breathlessness during familiar activities, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms can have different causes and do not by themselves confirm a heart problem.
Can menopause-related palpitations be harmless?
Jogiya says palpitations are common during menopause and are often harmless. He recommends assessment when they are persistent or irregular, or occur with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness.
When does the report advise calling emergency services?
It advises calling emergency services for possible heart attack symptoms, including new chest pressure or discomfort—especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also lists palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath or faintness, severe breathlessness, collapse and signs of stroke as emergencies.
What checks does the cardiologist recommend?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. If symptoms suggest a possible rhythm problem, a doctor may consider an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor, according to the report.
Source: fitandwell.com
