Although it has long been known that hot flashes can affect a woman′s quality of life and mental health, more research shows a link between them and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. It′s estimated that 70% of women experience hot flashes throughout the menopause transition.

The North American Menopause Society (NAMS) Annual Meeting will be held in Atlanta from October 12–15 and will focus on concerns surrounding the relationship between hot flashes and heart health.

While cardiovascular disease is the primary cause of death in women, the risk increases during the midlife menopausal transition. Large epidemiologic cohort studies, clinical studies utilizing physiologic measures of vasomotor symptoms, and other studies have all revealed evidence between hot flashes to the risk of heart disease.

Hot flashes are particularly associated with increasing profiles of cardiovascular risk factors in women, including hypertension, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and a greater likelihood of underlying atherosclerosis. A higher risk of cardiovascular disease-related events, including myocardial infarction and stroke, has been linked to older women who experience more frequent or prolonged hot flashes.

More recent research has linked vasomotor symptoms to indicators of small artery disease in the brain and other indicators of brain health.

Experts stated that this presentation might emphasize the most recent ideas about how targeted cardiovascular reduction programs may be especially beneficial for older women with a high burden of vasomotor symptoms.

(Source: https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/hot-flashes-can-be-detrimental-to-heart-besides-being-uncomfortable-study-101665632571166.html)