After a woman reaches menopause, she becomes more prone to various heart diseases. With that in mind, it is important to know that heart disease is the number one killer of women in India. In fact, most of the deaths in women are caused because of cardiovascular problems. Menopause is the natural risk generator for heart diseases in women. Besides menopause, other risk factors include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high LDL or "bad" cholesterol, low HDL or "good" cholesterol, obesity, inactive lifestyle and family history of heart disease.

Today, Ms. Sunita Pathania – Sr. Registered Dietician and Diabetes Educator, Healthy Living Diet Clinic, Mumbai, helps all menopausal women by giving us quick tips to reduce heart disease risk… 

Avoid or quit smoking

"Smoking almost doubles the risk of various types of heart ailments," says Ms. Sunita. Besides, staying away from cigarettes eliminates secondhand smoke from your friends and family's environment as well. Secondhand smoke too can increase the risk of heart problems. 

Maintain a healthy body weight

The more you weigh, the harder your heart has to work to give your body nutrients. Being obese makes you more prone to heart problems. Hence, avoid junk food and maintain a healthy weight to ward off health problems. 

Exercise is important

In order to keep your heart robust and lively, exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. Daily exercise helps pump blood more efficiently throughout the body and also helps in reducing many other problems like high blood pressure, cholesterol, and stress. It also helps improve blood sugar levels. 

Eat well

Eat a diet rich in fiber and low in fat. Include more dark green leafy vegetables, fresh fruits, soy, whole grains and fish in your diet. 

Take medicinal care

Get regular check ups to avoid health problems. Diabetes, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure are known risk factors for heart disease. Hence keep a check over all the other health problems as well. 

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