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Merville C. Marshall, Jr., M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E Responds:
Merville C. Marshall Jr., MD, FACP, FACE, founder and president of the Endocrine Institute in White Plains, New York, responds: This is a good question, with no simple answer. A woman's risk for heart disease significantly increases after menopause. Also accelerated after menopause is atherosclerosis, the thickening and hardening of the artery walls from fat deposits on the inner linings. To lower postmenopausal heart risk, it makes sense to aggressively manage any other risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or smoking.
There is circumstantial evidence that lifestyle modifications (low-fat diet, stress management, exercise, group support, and smoking cessation) can slow down the accelerated atherosclerosis that happens with menopause. A 2004 study suggests that eating two or more servings of fish per week may reduce the progression of atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women with heart disease. A new study in the Journal of the College of Cardiology (2006) suggests eating tuna and other broiled and baked fish as heart healthy choices. The bottom line: Don't wait until menopause to adopt a healthier lifestyle—the sooner the better!
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Merville C. Marshall, Jr.
M.D., F.A.C.P., F.A.C.E
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