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Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy as antiatherosclerotic therapy
Howard N Hodis1, Wendy J Mack, Roger Lobo
1Atherosclerosis Research Unit, University of Southern California School of Medicine, 2250 Alcazar Street, CSC 132, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
Current Atherosclerosis Reports
|January 5, 2002
Summary
Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy may reduce cardiovascular risk in women, but recent trials show mixed results. Further research is needed to confirm its broad effectiveness in preventing heart disease.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Endocrinology
- Women's Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women.
- Lipid alteration alone may not be sufficient for optimal cardiovascular risk reduction.
- Postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is a potential strategy for reducing cardiovascular risk.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the evidence on postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular disease in women.
- To evaluate the impact of HRT on atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
- To reconcile conflicting results from observational studies and randomized controlled trials.
Main Methods:
- Review of observational studies on postmenopausal HRT use.
- Analysis of recently reported randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of HRT.
- Comparison of HRT effects versus placebo in cardiovascular outcomes.
Main Results:
- Over 50 observational studies suggest HRT reduces atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events.
- Recent randomized controlled trials have produced mixed results regarding HRT's efficacy.
- Conflicting data exists on whether HRT reduces cardiovascular events compared to placebo.
Conclusions:
- Specific conclusions can be drawn for particular HRT types and populations studied.
- Broader conclusions on HRT for cardiovascular disease prevention require additional research.
- Further trials are necessary to establish definitive recommendations for HRT use in postmenopausal women.