Related Experiment Videos
Hormone replacement therapy and peripheral arterial disease: the Rotterdam study
I C Westendorp1, B A in't Veld, D E Grobbee
1Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Erasmus University Medical School Rotterdam, PO Box 1738, 3000 DR, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. witteman@epib.fgg.eur.nl.
Archives of Internal Medicine
|September 9, 2000
Summary
Hormone replacement therapy for at least one year may significantly lower the risk of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in postmenopausal women. This finding highlights a potential protective effect of HRT against PAD development.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Health
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is a growing concern in aging Western populations.
- Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is investigated for its potential to prevent cardiovascular conditions like PAD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and the prevalence of peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in postmenopausal women.
Main Methods:
- A population-based study included 2196 naturally menopausal women aged 55-80.
- PAD was defined by an ankle/arm systolic blood pressure index below 0.9.
Main Results:
- HRT for ≥1 year was linked to a 52% reduced risk of PAD (OR, 0.48).
- No significant association was observed for HRT <1 year (OR, 0.97).
- Results remained consistent after adjusting for multiple confounding factors.
Conclusions:
- Long-term hormone replacement therapy (≥1 year) appears associated with a decreased risk of peripheral arterial disease in postmenopausal women.