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Cardiologist Roy Jogiya says new chest discomfort, unexpected breathlessness and persistent or irregular palpitations should not automatically be attributed to menopause. These symptoms can have different causes, but some require urgent medical attention; the source report does not present them as proof of heart disease.
A Fit&Well report has highlighted advice from cardiologist Dr Roy Jogiya to take new chest discomfort, breathlessness during familiar activities and persistent or irregular heartbeats seriously during menopause. The symptoms are not, by themselves, evidence of heart disease, but Jogiya says they warrant attention because menopause-related changes and aging can affect cardiovascular risk, and some symptoms may signal an emergency.
Jogiya, identified by Fit&Well as chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, says falling estrogen levels during menopause can be associated with changes in blood vessels, cholesterol, blood pressure, abdominal fat and insulin resistance. He also cautions that these changes develop gradually and that aging contributes, so symptoms or risk cannot be attributed to menopause alone.
The three symptoms he identifies are new chest pressure or discomfort, including discomfort that feels like indigestion; becoming breathless during everyday tasks or exercise that previously felt manageable; and a racing or irregular heartbeat that persists or comes with other symptoms. Jogiya notes that a heart attack in women may also involve breathlessness, nausea, sweating, unusual fatigue, or discomfort in the jaw, back or upper abdomen.
Some palpitations during menopause may be linked to hormonal fluctuations, poor sleep, anxiety or hot flashes and may be harmless, Jogiya says. But he advises medical assessment for persistent or irregular beats, particularly when they occur with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness. A clinician may use an electrocardiogram or a portable heart monitor to investigate a possible rhythm problem, according to the report.
Recognizing Symptoms Beyond Hot Flashes
The advice matters because familiar menopause symptoms can make it tempting to explain away a change in breathing, chest sensations or heartbeat. Jogiya’s central point is not that these signs confirm a heart condition, but that women should not have to decide on their own whether a symptom is hormonal or cardiac. Prompt assessment can help clinicians determine what is happening and whether further testing is needed.
The report also identifies factors that may raise cardiovascular risk: high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, obesity and a strong family history of early heart disease. Jogiya also names premature menopause and pregnancy-related conditions such as pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes and pregnancy-related hypertension as risk markers that can be overlooked. These are reasons to discuss personal risk with a health professional, not a diagnosis.
For emergency symptoms, the stakes are different from routine screening. The report advises calling local emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, including when new chest discomfort occurs with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also says palpitations accompanied by chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting need emergency attention. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe, the advice says.
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Menopause and Cardiovascular Risk
The report frames menopause as a point at which cardiovascular health deserves attention, rather than as a condition that necessarily causes heart disease. Jogiya says estrogen helps maintain healthy blood vessels and regulate cholesterol; when levels fall, LDL cholesterol may rise and blood pressure may increase. He adds that abdominal fat and insulin resistance can also develop, while making clear that aging is another influence.
His practical recommendations include aiming for 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, adding strength training, and eating a diet featuring vegetables, whole grains, nuts and olive oil while limiting saturated fat and salt. He also recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar so potential problems can be identified and treated. The report offers general guidance, not a personal care plan or a claim that these steps prevent every heart condition.
“Menopause isn’t just a reproductive milestone; it’s a cardiovascular one, too.”
— Dr Roy Jogiya, cardiologist and chief medical advisor at Heart Research UK, in Fit&Well
Symptoms Need Individual Assessment
The supplied report does not provide research data, a study, or estimates of how often these symptoms indicate a heart condition. It relays one cardiologist’s guidance, and it does not establish that menopause caused any particular symptom or cardiovascular change in an individual. Chest discomfort, breathlessness and palpitations can have multiple causes; determining the cause requires assessment by a qualified health professional.
The material also does not give a publication date, identify a new clinical guideline, or report changes to emergency-care recommendations. It does not specify a testing pathway that applies to everyone. Jogiya says an electrocardiogram or portable monitor may be used for suspected rhythm problems, but the appropriate evaluation depends on the patient and clinician’s findings.
When to Seek Care
According to the report, call your local emergency service if you think you may be having a heart attack, even if uncertain. New chest pressure or discomfort—especially with sweating, nausea or breathlessness—and palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting are listed as reasons for emergency help. Severe breathlessness, collapse or signs of stroke also require emergency attention.
For symptoms that are new or recurring but not an immediate emergency, arrange a medical assessment for persistent palpitations, reduced exercise tolerance, recurrent dizziness or unexplained breathlessness. The report advises seeking urgent medical advice if symptoms worsen, or if palpitations occurred alongside chest pain, breathlessness or faintness even if they have since stopped. People can also ask a clinician about blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar checks and discuss their personal risk factors.
Key Questions
Which three symptoms does the cardiologist say to take seriously?
Dr Roy Jogiya identifies new chest discomfort, unexpected breathlessness during familiar activities, and persistent or irregular palpitations. These symptoms do not prove a heart problem, but he says they merit attention or assessment.
Are palpitations during menopause always a sign of heart disease?
No. Jogiya says palpitations are common during menopause and may be associated with hormonal fluctuations, disrupted sleep, anxiety or hot flashes. He recommends assessment when they are persistent or irregular, especially if they occur with chest pain, breathlessness or faintness.
When should someone call emergency services?
The report advises calling local emergency services if a heart attack is suspected, including for new chest pressure or discomfort with sweating, nausea or breathlessness. It also lists palpitations with chest pain, shortness of breath, faintness or fainting as emergency warning signs.
What checks does the report recommend discussing with a clinician?
Jogiya recommends checking blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. If a rhythm problem is suspected, a clinician may consider an electrocardiogram or portable heart monitor, according to the report.
Source: fitandwell.com
