Heart Health for Women Over 45: Can Tocotrienols be the Rescuer?

Women’s health goes through so many changes, RIGHT? From puberty to pregnancy to menopause, there’s a lot happening in the body over the years. But there’s one big change that doesn’t get the attention it deserves— the risk of heart disease for women at the age of 40- 45.

As women age, especially after 45, maintaining heart health becomes even more crucial. Unfortunately, heart disease is the leading cause of death, & for women, it’s often underdiagnosed. Here’s why: Before menopause, estrogen plays a protective role for the heart. But once menopause kicks in, that protection starts to fade, increasing the cardiovascular risk. But here’s the good news—there’s a potential nutrient called tocotrienol (a form of vitamin E) that could be a game-changer for heart health. Studies show tocotrienols may help protect the heart & improve blood flow.

In this blog, you’ll learn about:

• How menopause affects heart health

• Why tocotrienols are great for heart health

Let’s dive in & explore how to keep the heart healthy as the years go by!

A Quick Look at Changes Women Experience After 45

As women move into their mid-40s and beyond, they experience several physical changes, many of which can impact heart health. Understanding the broader picture helps explain why these changes matter. 

Here is what WHO says: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide, causing about 31% of all deaths, or around 17.9 million people each year. Cardiovascular diseases include coronary heart disease, stroke, & peripheral arterial disease (a condition where blood vessels that supply blood to the legs or arms narrow or become blocked). 

Moreover, studies show that while low estrogen levels are linked to coronary artery disease in men, the risk significantly increases for women after menopause. This makes it essential for women to prioritize their heart health during and after this transition.

Let’s break down some key changes women go through after 45 & why it’s important to stay informed & take action when it comes to heart health.

1. Hormonal Changes & Coronary Heart Disease (CHD)

During menopause, estrogen levels drop, & women lose the heart-protective effects that hormones once offered.  Epidemiological studies state women usually develop coronary heart disease (CHD) later than men, but after menopause, the risk increases a lot. Postmenopausal women are more likely to have stable plaques (deposition of bad fat) & microvascular issues (small blood vessels in the body are affected). So, while women get heart disease a bit later than men, the risks really rise after menopause.

2. Blood Pressure: Hypertension’s Growing Threat

As women get older, high blood pressure (hypertension) becomes more common, especially after menopause. The changes in hormone levels & metabolism that happen with age can directly impact blood pressure, which tends to rise more in postmenopausal women. High blood pressure can make the blood vessels stiffer, which increases the risk of heart disease & stroke. Women who go through early menopause (before age 40) are at a higher risk for high blood pressure & heart problems because of the longer time without estrogen.

3. Cholesterol Imbalances

After 45, many women notice changes in their cholesterol levels. Total cholesterol, LDL ("bad" cholesterol), & triglycerides tend to go up, while HDL ("good" cholesterol) goes down. These shifts increase the risk of atherosclerosis (thickening or hardening of the arteries) & other heart diseases. Postmenopausal women are 2-3 times more likely to develop metabolic syndrome than premenopausal. Metabolic syndrome is a cluster of health conditions including low good cholesterol and high bad cholesterol. Hence, monitoring cholesterol levels helps manage this syndrome and identify potential complications.

4. Abdominal Fat & Heart Health

As metabolism & hormone levels shift, many women gain abdominal fat after 45. This kind of fat is especially concerning because it’s linked to heart disease, insulin resistance, & other health risks. Studies show postmenopausal women are more likely to have central obesity, raising the risk of type 2 diabetes & hypertension—both big contributors to heart disease.

5. Diabetes & Metabolic Changes

The risk of type 2 diabetes goes up as women approach & go through menopause. Insulin resistance and higher blood sugar levels become more common, especially with weight gain and hormonal changes. The mix of metabolic syndrome, obesity, & diabetes increases the risk of heart disease & stroke. The good news is that managing diet & exercise can help reduce these risks.

6. Genetics Matter Too

Did you know genetics can influence when you go through menopause? Menopause usually happens between ages 40 and 60, and research shows the timing can affect your heart health. Genetics plays a big role in when menopause occurs, with studies showing a heritability range of 31% to 87%. 

Women who experience early menopause (before age 40) are at a higher risk of heart disease, including coronary artery disease and other risk factors like higher BMI and waist size. This highlights the importance of Heart health checks with consideration of genetic factors, along with gender-specific risks in postmenopausal cardiovascular health.

Heart Health for Women Over 45: Tocotrienols to the Rescue!

Understanding the changes women experience after 45 makes it clear that prioritizing heart health is crucial. One promising nutrient that may help is tocotrienols, a form of vitamin E. So, why are tocotrienols great for heart health? Let’s take a closer look.

Quick Stats on Heart Disease

Heart disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), heart disease and stroke cause about 17.9 million deaths each year, and this number is expected to rise to over 23 million by 2030. In the U.S., more than a million people die from heart disease every year.

 With heart disease being such a major issue, finding natural treatments like tocotrienols is more important than ever.

What Makes Tocotrienols Unique for Heart Health?

Tocotrienols are a form of vitamin E, distinct from the more commonly known tocopherols.There are four types: alpha, beta, gamma, & delta. Each type offers different benefits for heart health, with gamma-tocotrienol being especially effective in protecting the heart. What makes tocotrienols unique for heart health is that they can cross cell membranes more easily than tocopherol, which means they’re even more powerful in supporting heart health.

Why Are Tocotrienols Gaining Attention?

For years, tocopherols (the standard form of vitamin E) were widely recognized for heart health benefits. However, emerging research suggests that tocotrienols may be even more effective at:

• Lowering cholesterol

• Reducing inflammation

•  Enhancing heart protection

With heart disease being a major concern for women after menopause, tocotrienols could play a vital role in maintaining heart health.

What Do Tocotrienols Offer for Heart Health?

As women age, particularly after menopause, the risk of heart disease increases. Research highlights that tocotrienols may offer superior heart supporting benefits compared to regular vitamin E by:

• Protecting the heart

• Improving blood flow

• Lowering bad cholesterol

• Reducing inflammation. 

With heart health becoming a priority post-menopause, tocotrienols could be better natural nutrients for maintaining it.

You might be wondering where to find this miracle supplement. Well there are many sources of tocotriobols including palm oil, rice bran oil, and barley. However, Annatto, stands out as the most significant source of tocotrienols. It exhibits many qualities that could be beneficial for heart health. Let's look at the 4 key ways Annatto tocotrienol can help protect your heart.

4 Major Cardiovascular Benefits of Annatto Tocotrienol

Annatto tocotrienol has shown a lot of potential for heart health. Let’s take a look at the 4 main benefits:

1. Lowering Cholesterol

High cholesterol is one of the major risk factors for heart disease, affecting about one-third of adults in the U.S. Studies going back to the 1980s, including ones from the University of Wisconsin, have shown that tocotrienols can help lower cholesterol, especially LDL (the “bad” cholesterol). Annatto tocotrienols (a dose of 250mg) have been shown to lower total cholesterol by 15%, LDL cholesterol by 18%, & triglycerides by 14% in just 4 weeks. So, if you're looking for a natural way to manage cholesterol, annatto tocotrienols could be a great option.

2. Reducing Inflammation

Even if your cholesterol levels are normal, inflammation can still cause heart problems. Tocotrienols, especially delta-tocotrienol, have the potential for anti-inflammatory effects. Studies have found that tocotrienols can lower C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker, by up to 40%. By reducing inflammation, tocotrienols help prevent plaque buildup in the arteries, which can lower the risk of heart disease & stroke. What is more exciting is that there were no adverse effects related to the 6-week tocotrienol supplementation period.

3. Preventing Plaque Buildup

Plaque buildup in the arteries (known as atherosclerosis) is a serious issue that can lead to heart problems. As per the studies, Annatto tocotrienols could have the potential to reduce plaque buildup (buildup of fatty substances in arteries). In one study, patients with carotid arteriosclerosis saw improvements after taking tocotrienol supplements. Cholesterol dropped by 14%, & LDL went down by 21%. This shows that tocotrienols might help prevent or even reverse plaque buildup in the arteries, which is key in heart disease prevention.

4. Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is often called the "silent killer" because it can go unnoticed. About 32% of adults in the U.S. have it. Tocotrienols have shown promise in reducing blood pressure by improving how the arteries function. Gamma-tocotrienol is particularly effective in lowering blood pressure.

Note: All the above-mentioned studies of tocotrienols on heart health are still in their early phases and need more clinical studies for their long-term safety. Do not take it as an alternative to professional advice or any ongoing treatment.

Conclusion: Potential of Tocotrienols for Supporting Heart Health

Heart health is a growing concern for women, especially after the age of 45. With the risk factors linked to aging, including hormonal changes, high blood pressure, and cholesterol imbalances, it’s more important than ever to take proactive steps. Tocotrienols, a potent form of vitamin E, could play a vital role in reducing these risks, lowering cholesterol, and protecting the heart from inflammation and plaque buildup. By incorporating tocotrienols into your lifestyle, you’re supporting your heart’s health naturally.

Disclaimer: This blog is intended for informational purposes only. Always consult with a healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication. Heart health requires a multifaceted approach that includes a balanced diet, regular exercise, and routine health checkups.