Hot flashes, once seen as a mere inconvenience, now reveal hidden threats to women’s heart health.
Story Snapshot
- Recent studies link hot flashes to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in menopausal women.
- Nocturnal hot flashes disrupt REM sleep, heightening heart disease risk.
- Physical activity can mitigate the cardiovascular impact of hot flashes.
- The Menopause Society urges consideration of hot flashes in CVD risk assessments.
Hot Flashes and Cardiovascular Risk
Recent research underscores that hot flashes, long viewed as a bothersome symptom of menopause, are significant indicators of cardiovascular health risks. Studies have shown a correlation between the frequency, severity, and timing of hot flashes—particularly nocturnal ones—and increased risks of heart disease, hypertension, and arterial stiffness. This challenges earlier perceptions and highlights the need for updated healthcare approaches to menopause.
In 2024, The Menopause Society presented evidence indicating that nocturnal hot flashes during REM sleep significantly elevate cardiovascular disease risk. This finding has spurred medical professionals to advocate for including vasomotor symptoms in cardiovascular risk assessments for midlife women. Such integration could lead to earlier interventions and potentially lower the incidence of heart disease in this demographic.
Watch; Menopause and cardiovascular disease and using HRT to treat menopause symptoms
Physical Activity as a Mitigating Factor
Physical activity emerges as a critical factor in moderating the relationship between hot flashes and cardiovascular risk. A 2025 study published in Physiological Reports revealed that women with higher activity levels experienced less severe cardiovascular impacts from hot flashes. This suggests incorporating exercise into daily routines could serve as a practical intervention for reducing heart disease risk among menopausal women.
Healthcare providers are increasingly recognizing the importance of holistic menopause care. Programs like those at UCLA Health are emphasizing comprehensive cardiovascular risk assessments that take into account the frequency and severity of hot flashes, alongside traditional risk factors. This shift reflects a growing consensus on the need for integrated healthcare approaches.
Menopause feels like living with a broken thermostat 🔥❄️
One minute you’re freezing, the next you’re peeling off layers like it’s July in the Sahara.
It’s not you — it’s the hormones.Hot flashes and night sweats are real, but so are the solutions.
Hydration, lifestyle shifts,… pic.twitter.com/llSg5r97kT— Dr. Betsy Greenleaf (@DrBGreenleaf) September 9, 2025
Implications for Women’s Health
In the short term, recognizing hot flashes as a cardiovascular risk marker can lead to improved identification of at-risk individuals and facilitate earlier preventative measures. Long-term, these insights could significantly reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease in women, enhancing their quality of life and longevity. Furthermore, this shift may influence healthcare policies, encouraging more comprehensive screening processes tailored to women’s unique health needs.
The ongoing research into the mechanisms linking hot flashes and cardiovascular health continues to underline the importance of acknowledging these symptoms as more than just a quality-of-life issue. With more evidence, healthcare systems can better address and mitigate the risks associated with menopause, ultimately benefiting public health.
Sources:
Timing of Nocturnal Hot Flashes May Affect Risk of Heart Disease for Perimenopausal Women
Hot Flashes and Their Link to Cardiometabolic Health in Perimenopause and Menopause
Hot Flashes and More: New Program Helps Patients Through
Physical Activity Moderates the Relationship Between Hot Flashes and Subclinical CVD Risk
