Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in women. Observational studies of hormone replacement therapy (HT) and data from women with premature ovarian failure have provided support for the principle that estrogen confers protection against the development of CVD in premenopausal women. However, randomised, controlled trials investigating HT in postmenopausal women have failed to demonstrate a benefit of HT in the primary or secondary prevention of CVD. Nevertheless, HT may be effective if targeted at younger perimenopausal women. Research aimed at investigation of the cellular mechanisms of estrogen may result in the discovery of new therapeutic targets that may be able to harness the potential beneficial effects of estrogens in the cardiovascular system. An improved understanding of the distinct processes in the clinical presentation and progress of CVD in women will help develop new targets and enhance the use of current established drugs.

Original publication

DOI

10.1517/14656566.8.3.279

Type

Journal article

Journal

Expert opin pharmacother

Publication Date

02/2007

Volume

8

Pages

279 - 288

Keywords

Cardiovascular Diseases, Female, Hormone Replacement Therapy, Humans, Risk Factors