New research suggests that exercise can benefit heart health in postmenopausal women. As women age, we can face various health risks, but heart health is one of the most important. Postmenopausal women, who have stopped ovulating and menstruating, can become particularly vulnerable to cardiovascular diseases like stroke, coronary disorder, or atherosclerosis.
Luckily, postmenopausal women can reduce their risk of developing heart conditions by exercising regularly. Recent research shows that physical activity reduces the chances of serious cardiac events in postmenopausal women. Today, we explore why exercise promotes and sustains good heart health among this population.
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This new research examined data from 35 different studies and found that in two-thirds of studies, participants showed improved endothelial function with positive changes in the large and small blood vessels with regular exercise.
Endothelial cells are one of the most important components of a healthy heart. They line the interior of our blood vessels and play a critical role in maintaining vascular function. Endothelial cells serve as indicators of heart health because their effectiveness is correlated with atherosclerosis development, which describes plaque buildup on artery walls. Endothelial cell health is vital for optimal heart health, making it an important biological marker for physicians to consider when evaluating cardiovascular disease risk.
“When that function starts to decline, they actually make the artery more prone to the development of atherosclerosis, because healthy endothelial cells are protective against the development of atherosclerotic plaque,” explained Kyra Pyke, a co-author of the study.
Exercise has previously been shown to help with endothelial function in general as it increases blood flow to muscles, including the heart. The friction of blood moving through the blood vessels stimulates the endothelial cells and increases the activity of an enzyme that creates nitric oxide.
“Nitric oxide is important to the function of the endothelial cells because it helps support the dilation of blood vessels, which is important for the delivery of oxygen to tissue,” explains Pyke.
These findings showed a beneficial effect on the lining of the arteries in postmenopausal women, possibly preventing heart diseases such as coronary heart disease. However, researchers stress the need for more knowledge to fill the gaps in understanding how exercise can affect menopausal women specifically. Many studies are done only with male participants or don’t distinguish between male and female participants, but since sex hormones can affect endothelial function, it is vital to consider the effects on men and women separately.
Promoting Heart Health
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Keeping the heart healthy throughout life is vital, so Heart Rescue was designed to help support and promote cardiovascular health using a variety of ingredients, including omega-3 fatty acids, CoQ10. The omega-3 fatty acids play an important role in cardiovascular function, while CoQ10 is involved in energy production at the cellular level. These two heart superstars are supported by 5 other ingredients that can help to promote and support cardiovascular function as you age. This formula’s health benefits can help strengthen the heart muscle, support circulation, and help reduce the risk of heart disease.
CoQ10 is a vital nutrient needed to promote healthy cardiovascular function. However, research has shown that CoQ10 levels can decline with stress, age, and cholesterol-lowering statin use. Due to this decline, it is essential to help support and maintain CoQ10 levels.
The major issue with standard CoQ10 supplementation is that it is a large, fat-soluble molecule that is poorly absorbed in the body. However, CoQ10 Premium Gold gets around this issue by supplying a water-soluble form of CoQ10 for superior absorption by the body. This gives the body the CoQ10 it needs to support energy production and help maintain cardiovascular health.
Sarah began her interest in nutritional healing at an early age. After going through health problems and becoming frustrated with the conventional ways doctors wanted to treat her illness (which were not working), she took it upon herself to find alternative treatments. This led her to revolutionize her own diet to help her get healthier and tackle her health problems. She began treating her illness by living a more balanced lifestyle through healthy food choices, exercise and other alternative medicine such as meditation. This total positive lifestyle change led her to earn a diploma in Nutritional Therapy from Health Sciences Academy in London, England. Today, Sarah enjoys helping others by teaching healthy lifestyle changes through her personal consultations and with her regular contributions to the Doctors Health Press. Also, passionate about following her dreams in life, Sarah moved to France and lived in Paris for over 5 years where she earned a certification in beadwork and embroidery from Lesage (an atelier owned by Chanel). She then went on to be a familiar face sitting front row and reporting from Paris Fashion Week. Sarah continues to practice some of the cultural ways of life she learned while in Europe. They enjoy their food, and take the time to relax and enjoy many of life’s little moments. These are life lessons she is glad to have brought back home with her.
