Question 191 of 433
Are hot flashes dangerous, or just unpleasant?
The short answer
They are not dangerous in themselves, but frequent and long-lasting hot flashes are linked to higher later risk of heart disease. Treat them as a signal to check your heart health.
In a long American study of women through midlife, those with frequent, persistent hot flashes had more heart attacks and strokes in later years. Night sweats that wreck sleep also raise blood pressure and blood sugar. If your hot flashes are severe, have your blood pressure, lipids, and blood sugar checked. This is a point where my specialty and gynecology meet.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
OBSERVATIONAL — Midlife women: persistent hot flashes predict cardiovascular risk; treating flashes has not proved event prevention.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 14, Q191 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.