From Pregnancy to Menopause: What Women Should Know about Heart Health

By: Vinaya Mulkareddy, MD, FACC

Dr. Vinaya C. Mulkareddy with Prairie Cardiovascular is a highly credentialed, board-certified cardiologist with a passion for delivering comprehensive, patient-centered cardiovascular care.

As a cardiologist, I often hear, “I thought heart disease was something to worry about later.” The truth is, a woman’s heart health starts much earlier and it changes over time. From pregnancy to menopause and beyond, each stage gives us important clues about future risk.

Most don’t realize that symptoms you experience during pregnancy are often signs that you need to pay attention to your heart health. Conditions like high blood pressure, preeclampsia, or gestational diabetes are not just temporary problems. They can be early warning signs.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are independent risk factors for future cardiovascular disease, and women with preeclampsia have 2–4x higher risk of developing hypertension and heart disease later in life.

After pregnancy, many women are focused on their new baby, which is completely understandable. But this is also an important time to check in on your own health. It’s important to follow up with your provider, keep an eye on blood pressure, and talk about long-term heart risk. Small steps early on can make a big difference later.

As women move into their 40s and 50s, menopause begins to play a role. Hormone shifts caused by menopause can affect the heart. Blood pressure and cholesterol may rise, and the body may handle sugar differently. Some women also notice weight changes or lower energy levels.

This is a key moment to focus on prevention.

Your heart health is a lifelong journey. It doesn’t start when something goes wrong, it starts with awareness and simple steps along the way.

I remind my patients that heart disease often develops quietly over time. That’s why regular check-ups matter. Simple screenings like blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar help us catch changes early. From there, we can create a plan together.

Lifestyle choices are also powerful. Eating balanced meals, staying active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all support heart health. Even small changes can lower your risk.

Lastly, heart symptoms are not always obvious for women. It’s not just chest pain. Women may feel shortness of breath, unusual fatigue, nausea, or discomfort in the back, jaw, or shoulders. If something feels off, trust your instincts and get checked.

Schedule time to talk to your provider about your heart health through MyHSHS.org or click here to  find a provider near you https://providers.hshs.org/.