Hot flashes are not only uncomfortable, they can also cause damage to the heart

It is estimated that more than 70% of women experience hot
flashes during the menopausal transition.
Although hot flashes have long been thought to affect mental health and quality of life, a growing body of research has shown that hot flashes are associated
with a woman's risk of cardiovascular disease.
A presentation at the annual meeting of the North American Menopausal Society (NAMS) in Atlanta, Oct.
12-15, will highlight the link between
hot flashes and heart health.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women and is at increased
risk during the transition to mid-life menopause.
Large-scale epidemiological cohort studies, as well as clinical studies using physiological assessment of vasomotor symptoms, have provided evidence
linking hot flashes to heart disease risk.
Specifically, women with frequent hot flashes have poorer cardiovascular risk factors, including elevated blood pressure (or hypertension), insulin resistance (or diabetes), and dyslipidemia, as well as a greater risk of
potential atherosclerosis.
In addition, more frequent or persistent hot flashes are also associated with a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, such as myocardial infarction and stroke
, as women age.
The latest research also links vasomotor symptoms to indicators of brain health, including diseases of
the small vessels of the brain.

Dr.
Rebecca Thurston from the University of Pittsburgh will lead this presentation to explore the underlying physiological mechanisms between vasomotor symptoms and cardiovascular risk, and the clinical implications
of this work.

"Hot flashes are considered symptoms that affect quality of life, but they do not necessarily affect physical health
.
A growing body of research calls into question this long-standing clinical wisdom and highlights that frequent or severe hot flashes may predict an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women in middle age and beyond," Dr.
Thurston said
.

Dr.
Faubion, Medical Director of NAMS, said: "This presentation will present the latest ideas
on how women with a high burden of vasomotor symptoms can particularly benefit from targeted cardiovascular reduction measures as they age.
"