Estrogens, menopause, and coronary artery disease.
The incidence of cardiovascular disease increases after menopause as women age. Estrogen-replacement therapy has been found to reduce cardiovascular risk by about 50% in over 30 observational studies. Part of the beneficial effect appears to be due to a reduction of LDL cholesterol and an increase in HDL cholesterol. Another important mechanism is related to the effect of estrogen on endothelial function. In making a decision to use estrogen-replacement therapy, the benefits must be weighed against the risks of endometrial and breast cancer.
Sullivan
J M
JM
Division of Cardiovascular Diseases, University of Tennessee, Memphis, USA.
Fowlkes
L P
LP
D000368:Aged; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008593:Menopause; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors
D004967:Estrogens