Hot flashes, a type of vasomotor disorder, typically manifest as a sudden sensation of heat in the face, neck, and chest. They are often accompanied by skin redness, sweating, a rapid heartbeat, and sometimes palpitations and anxiety.

According to pharmacist Do Xuan Hoa from the Medical Information Center, Tam Anh General Hospital, hot flashes can signal hormonal changes and alterations in blood vessel elasticity in women during perimenopause and menopause. This connection arises because the cardiovascular system and the body's thermoregulation mechanisms are closely linked through the autonomic nervous system and hormone levels.

Hot flashes can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. Photo: Thai Thanh

Hot flashes can be an early indicator of cardiovascular disease risk. Photo: Thai Thanh

After the age of 35, a decline in the activity of the brain-pituitary-ovarian axis leads to an imbalance in the three key hormones: estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This hormonal shift disrupts the hypothalamus, the body's temperature control center, triggering hot flashes. When these hot flashes occur repeatedly throughout the day, they can damage the endothelial lining of blood vessels, causing them to lose their natural elasticity and become stiffer. This process is associated with an increased risk of hypertension and atherosclerosis, as noted by pharmacist Hoa.

Hot flashes also have the potential to activate the sympathetic nervous system, accelerating heart rate and contributing to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular problems.

Nighttime hot flashes can significantly disrupt sleep, further elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. Insufficient sleep prompts the body to release more cortisol, a stress hormone that negatively impacts blood pressure and heart health. Moreover, hot flashes are common in women experiencing metabolic disorders such as high cholesterol and insulin resistance, both of which are established risk factors for cardiovascular disease.

A chart illustrating hormone decline during aging in women, from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Graphic: Eco Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company

A chart illustrating hormone decline during aging in women, from the North American Menopause Society (NAMS). Graphic: Eco Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company

Pharmacist Hoa emphasizes that not all women who experience hot flashes will develop cardiovascular disease. The specific risk depends on several factors, including age, the frequency and severity of symptoms, and co-occurring conditions such as being overweight, abdominal obesity, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, a sedentary lifestyle, smoking, chronic stress, diabetes, a family history of heart disease, and early menopause (before the age of 45).

To help alleviate hot flashes, pharmacist Hoa advises women to maintain a cool bedroom environment, wear loose and lightweight clothing, avoid spicy foods, opt for a low-salt and low-fat diet, limit caffeine and alcohol intake, refrain from smoking, ensure sufficient sleep, and engage in 30 minutes of exercise daily. Additionally, women may consider natural supplements, such as Lepidium Meyenii, which can support the body's natural production and balance of estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This can help improve perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats.

Women in perimenopause and menopause should also regularly monitor their blood pressure, blood lipid levels (total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides), and blood sugar. If hot flashes occur frequently (more than 4-5 times per day) and significantly disrupt sleep and daily activities, women should consult a doctor for early intervention.

Thai Thanh