A double-blind, placebo controlled study of postmenopausal oestrogen replacement therapy and carotid artery pulsatility index.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether postmenopausal oestrogen replacement therapy affects carotid artery pulsatility index.


METHODS
A prospective double-blind placebo controlled trial.


METHODS
University associated teaching hospital.


METHODS
Twenty-eight postmenopausal women who were more than 12 months postmenopausal and who had not taken exogenous oestrogen.


METHODS
Independent randomisation to receive oral oestradiol (2 mg daily) or placebo for 20 to 24 weeks.


METHODS
Internal carotid artery Doppler pulsatility index, measured within one centimetre of the carotid bifurcation.


RESULTS
Replicate data were available from 27 women. The mean pulsatility index decreased by -0.11 in 15 women receiving oestradiol, compared with a mean rise of 0.05 in the 12 women who received placebo (P = 0.006, 95% CI for treatment difference 0.06-0.31).


CONCLUSIONS
Oestrogen replacement decreases postmenopausal carotid artery pulsatility index, probably reflecting decreased peripheral vascular resistance. This is a further mechanism whereby hormone replacement therapy may impart cardiovascular protection.
Jackson
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Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Southmead Hospital, Bristol, UK.
Vyas
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D000284:Administration, Oral; D000368:Aged; D002343:Carotid Artery, Internal / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004958:Estradiol / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000031:analogs & derivatives*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011673:Pulsatile Flow / Q000502:physiology; D018608:Ultrasonography, Doppler; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000187:drug effects
D004958:Estradiol