💓 Heart Palpitations & Menopause: The Science Behind the Flutters
Did you know up to 46% of menopausal women experience heart palpitations—that sudden racing, skipping, or pounding heartbeat? While often benign, these sensations can feel alarming and are directly linked to hormonal shifts during menopause.
🔬 What’s Causing It?
As estrogen declines, it impacts the autonomic nervous system, blood vessel elasticity, and electrolyte balance, leading to:
📉 Increased resting heart rate (on average, up by 5–7 bpm in menopause)
⚡ Irregular beats or sudden heart flutters
🔄 Changes in blood pressure regulation, causing dizziness or faintness
🫀 What Does the Research Say?
📊 WHI data found that women in early menopause had a 30% higher risk of heart palpitations compared to premenopausal women.
📊 Estrogen receptors in the heart help regulate electrical signaling—a reason why hormonal fluctuations may cause arrhythmia-like symptoms.
📊 Some studies suggest menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) may help stabilize heart rhythm, especially when started within 10 years of menopause onset.
💡 What Can You Do?
✅ Track Triggers – Stress, caffeine, dehydration, and alcohol can worsen symptoms.
✅ Support Your Heart – Magnesium-rich foods, hydration, deep breathing, and exercise can help regulate heart rate.
✅ Discuss MHT with Your Doctor – Some research suggests hormone therapy may reduce palpitations and support cardiovascular function.
🚨 When to Seek Help: If palpitations come with chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting, consult your doctor to rule out underlying cardiovascular conditions.
📖 Reference: WHI Study, North American Menopause Society, Circulation 2022
Have you experienced heart palpitations in menopause? Let’s talk about it ⬇️
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