Oestrogen replacement therapy and coronary heart disease

Abstract

This review highlights recent progress in our understanding of the beneficial effects of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in cardiovascular disease (CVD). The fact that HRT is increasingly advocated has raised concern about possible adverse effects weighed against the potential benefits of HRT regimens. Both favourable and unfavourable effects of oestrogens and HRT regimens on CVD risk factors are increasingly recognized. Consequently, the picture on cardiovascular effects of oestrogen and HRT has become more complicated, and research in this field has extended to novel areas.

Key Words:

• coronary heart disease
• hormone replacement therapy
• lipoproteins
• oestrogen
• vascular function