Hormone replacement therapy and cardiovascular risk: the cardiovascular physicians' viewpoint.
Sufficient evidence has accumulated showing that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) does protect against cardiovascular disease in women, although data regarding the true magnitude of that protection remains incomplete. There is no evidence that HRT increases the risk of hypertension or thromboembolism, and beneficial effects have been found for plasma lipids, clotting factors and cardiovascular haemodynamics. However, the evidence is not convincing of any beneficial effect of HRT in preventing strokes, and concerns about the risk of cancer with HRT remain. Despite this, considerable uncertainty continues to exist amongst clinicians as to the balance of beneficial and harmful effects from administering HRT. Overall, HRT seems to do no harm and may be protective. A much greater awareness of the long-term consequences of the menopause and the potential benefits of HRT should be encouraged so that women (and their doctors) can make informed decisions about their requirements.
Lip
G Y
GY
University Department of Medicine, City Hospital, Birmingham, UK.
Beevers
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G
Zarifis
J
J
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D001943:Breast Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000517:prevention & control; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007044:Hysterectomy; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008875:Middle Aged; D017698:Postmenopause; D017697:Premenopause; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors
D001779:Blood Coagulation Factors; D008055:Lipids