259. Early menopause appears to increase the risk for later heart conditions
Dr. David Geier is an orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist in Charleston, South Carolina and Charlotte, North Carolina. He helps athletes and active people feel and perform their best, regardless of age, injuries and medical history. He has been featured in major media publications and shows over 2,500 times throughout his career.
Women who go into menopause when they are younger than 40 have a greater risk for future heart problems, according to a new study published in the European Heart Journal. Korean researchers collected data on over 1.4 million females. They found that the risk for heart issues increased for women who entered menopause earlier in life compared to those who went into menopause after age 50. Specifically, they observed that the risk of heart failure was 39 percent higher among women who experienced menopause before age 40. The risk of atrial fibrillation, or an irregular heart rhythm, was 11 percent higher. About 1 in 100 women go through menopause before they hit their forties. Knowing these heart risks hopefully will encourage these women to follow heart-healthy lifestyle habits, like exercising on a regular basis and quitting smoking.
Through the stories of a dozen athletes whose injuries and recovery advanced the field (including Joan Benoit, Michael Jordan, Brandi Chastain, and Tommy John), Dr. Geier explains how sports medicine makes sports safer for the pros, amateurs, student-athletes, and weekend warriors alike.
