Irregular Heartbeat In Menopause

Some women experience irregular heartbeat when they are going through menopause and this can present as a rapid heart rate, irregular heart rhythms and skipping beats. Often, the changes are temporary and they are nothing to worry about, but understandably, many women feel anxious when they experience symptoms related to the heart beat; if you are worried at any point, you should not hesitate to contact your doctor or seek advice.

Periods of irregular heartbeat can last anything from a few seconds to a few minutes; sometimes, this can trigger anxiety and in cases where an individual is prone to them, a panic attack.


When should I see a doctor?

It's a good idea to see a doctor if you have irregular heart beat on a regular basis, you are worried about your heart rate or you are experiencing other symptoms, such as dizziness or feeling faint. Often, there's nothing to worry about, but it's always best to get checked out.

How does menopause affect the heartbeat?

The decrease in levels of oestrogen leading up to menopause is not always steady and sudden fluctuations can cause the heartbeat to become irregular. Oestrogen is involved in the dilation of the blood vessels, which can affect circulation and heart rate and it also helps to control subconscious actions, such as breathing and the heart muscle pumping.

Self help measures

Exercising regularly, eating a healthy and balanced diet and avoiding stress can all help to keep your heart healthy and reduce the risk of irregular heartbeat. However, in some cases, additional treatment may be required; in cases linked to menopause, HRT may be recommended. If there are other symptoms, such as chest pain, wheezing or breathing difficulties, tests may be carried out to ascertain if there are other possible causes.


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