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Updated: Oct 18, 2026

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology
09:33

A Methodological Approach to Non-invasive Assessments of Vascular Function and Morphology

Published on: February 7, 2015

Hormone replacement therapy and intima-media thickness of the common carotid artery: the Rotterdam study

I C Westendorp1, B A in 't Veld, M L Bots

  • 1Departments of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical School, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.

Stroke
|December 3, 1999
PubMed

Insights

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) use for over one year was linked to reduced carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) in postmenopausal women. This suggests HRT may inhibit atherosclerosis, a key factor in cardiovascular disease.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Endocrinology
  • Gerontology

Background:

  • Observational data indicate hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce cardiovascular disease morbidity and mortality in postmenopausal women.
  • Potential mechanisms include inhibition of the atherosclerotic process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between HRT use and intima-media thickness (IMT) of the common carotid artery.
  • To explore the relationship between HRT duration and IMT in elderly women.

Main Methods:

  • A population-based cohort study (Rotterdam Study) involving 1103 naturally menopausal women aged 55-80.
  • Noninvasive B-mode ultrasound was used to measure mean and maximum IMT of the common carotid artery.
  • Statistical analysis adjusted for age, smoking, educational level, blood pressure, and BMI.

Main Results:

  • Ever use of HRT for >= 1 year was significantly associated with decreased mean IMT (0.719 mm vs. 0.742 mm, P=0.03) and maximum IMT (0.952 mm vs. 0.983 mm, P=0.04).
  • No significant association was found for HRT use < 1 year.
  • Adjustments for diabetes, healthcare visits, and cholesterol levels did not alter the findings.

Conclusions:

  • Ever use of hormone replacement therapy is associated with reduced intima-media thickness in the common carotid artery of elderly women.
  • This finding supports a potential role for HRT in mitigating atherosclerotic changes.
Abstract

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