Estrogens are indicated for the prevention of coronary artery disease: a debate for estrogen.
For the vast majority of women, the overall potential benefits associated with hormone replacement therapy (HRT) outweigh any harm. There is a large body of epidemiological evidence demonstrating an association between postmenopausal use of HRT and a decreased risk for cardiovascular disease. There are multiple mechanisms by which this cardiovascular benefit may occur. The only study to suggest that estrogen does not play a cardioprotective role was conducted on women with known coronary artery disease, ie, secondary prevention. The results of this study may be specific to the population and the regimen studied; in any case, several confounding factors limit the interpretation of the data. If these factors are adequately addressed in future trials, it is probable that the cardiovascular benefits of HRT will be clinically evident.
Leiter
L A
LA
University of Toronto, and Lipid Clinic, St Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada. lawrence.leiter@utoronto.ca
D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000097:blood / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D015914:Estrogen Replacement Therapy; D004967:Estrogens / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D017698:Postmenopause; D011322:Primary Prevention; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D004967:Estrogens