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Fit&Well reports that cardiologist Dr. Roy Jogiya cautions against automatically treating chest discomfort, new breathlessness or persistent palpitations as menopause symptoms. He says some symptoms require emergency care, while recurring or unexplained changes should be assessed by a clinician.
A cardiologist quoted by Fit&Well says women going through menopause should seek attention for new chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness and persistent or irregular heartbeats, rather than assuming they are hormonal symptoms. Dr. Roy Jogiya, chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says these signs can warrant medical assessment and, when accompanied by certain symptoms, emergency care.
Jogiya says falling estrogen levels during menopause can coincide with changes in cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He also cautions that aging contributes to cardiovascular changes, and that the effects may develop gradually. The report does not present these changes as proof that an individual symptom is caused by heart disease.
The first symptom he highlights is new chest pressure or discomfort, which some women may mistake for indigestion. A heart attack can also involve breathlessness, nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen, according to Jogiya. He warns against waiting for severe or dramatic chest pain before seeking help.
The other signs are becoming breathless during familiar activities and a racing or irregular heartbeat that persists or comes with other symptoms. Jogiya says palpitations can occur during menopause and are often harmless, but those associated with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness need assessment. The report says a clinician may use an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor to investigate a possible rhythm problem.
Recognizing Heart Symptoms During Menopause
Menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, anxiety and disrupted sleep can make it harder to tell whether a new sensation is hormonal or a sign of a separate health problem. Jogiya’s guidance focuses on changes from a person’s usual baseline—such as getting breathless on stairs when that was not previously difficult—and on symptoms occurring together.
His warning is not that every palpitation or episode of discomfort signals heart disease. It is that new, persistent or recurring symptoms deserve attention, particularly when they involve chest pain, faintness or shortness of breath. Prompt evaluation can help clinicians decide whether further testing or treatment is needed.
The source also identifies factors that may raise cardiovascular risk, including high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of premature heart disease. Jogiya also points to premature menopause and some pregnancy complications, such as pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes, as risk markers to discuss with a health professional.
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Menopause, Estrogen and Cardiovascular Risk
The Fit&Well report frames menopause as a time to pay attention to cardiovascular health as well as reproductive and common menopause symptoms. Jogiya says estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels and regulate cholesterol; as estrogen levels fall, cardiovascular risk factors may change. He also stresses that menopause and aging occur alongside one another, so the source does not attribute every change to hormones alone.
Jogiya recommends 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, strength training, and a diet featuring vegetables, wholegrains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt. He also advises checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar so possible problems can be identified. These are general prevention suggestions in the report, not a personalized treatment plan.
“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 Medical Assessment
The report does not provide study data or establish how often these symptoms during menopause are caused by heart disease. Palpitations can have multiple causes, and Jogiya says they are often harmless; the article does not offer a way for readers to diagnose the cause themselves.
It also gives no individual risk estimates or details about how age, medical history and symptom duration alter a person’s risk. Whether symptoms reflect a heart condition, menopause or another cause remains a matter for clinical assessment. The source is an interview with a cardiologist, not a report of new research or updated clinical guidelines.
When to Seek Care
The report advises calling emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, even when uncertain. It lists new chest pressure, especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness, and palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath or fainting as reasons for emergency help. Severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke also require emergency attention, according to Jogiya.
For symptoms that are new or recurring but not an immediate emergency, he recommends arranging a medical assessment for reduced exercise tolerance, recurring dizziness or unexplained breathlessness. Readers should consult a qualified health professional about personal symptoms and risk factors; anyone experiencing severe or rapidly worsening symptoms should seek urgent care.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the cardiologist say women should not dismiss?
Dr. Roy Jogiya highlights new chest discomfort, unusual breathlessness during familiar activities, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms do not by themselves establish a heart problem, but he says they may need assessment.
When do palpitations require emergency help?
The report advises emergency care for palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting. It also says to call emergency services if a heart attack is suspected.
Can menopause cause palpitations?
Jogiya says hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety and hot flashes can make the heartbeat feel more noticeable, and that palpitations are often harmless. Persistent or irregular beats, especially with other symptoms, should be assessed by a clinician.
What heart-health steps does the report recommend?
Jogiya recommends aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, adding strength training, eating a heart-healthy diet and checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. These are general suggestions; individual decisions should be discussed with a qualified health professional.
Source: fitandwell.com
