Did HRT cut heart disease?

Wednesday October 10th, 2012

Women who took hormone replacement therapy over a period of years enjoyed major benefits to their heart health, according to the findings of a new study published today.

The Danish research raises new questions about the controversial treatment, which was discredited ten years ago.

Many doctors had believed HRT would help menopausal women preserve heart health - but it was largely discontinued a decade ago after two major studies found a range of side-effects.

In Denmark some 1,000 women had been taking part in a study of the effects of HRT on heart health.

Their treatment was stopped at the time - but today researchers report on the women's fate six years afterwards.

Writing in the British Medical Journal today, the researchers say the extended use of HRT was significantly linked to reduced risk of death from heart disease and heart failure.

In total 27 women who were taking HRT died and 40 of those not taking it died. About half the women in the study were randomly assigned to take HRT.

The researcher say there was no evidence of increased risk of cancer, stroke or deep vein thrombosis among the women taking HRT.

Researcher Louise Lind Schierbeck, of Hvidovre Hospital, Denmark writes: "Due to the potential time lag longer time may be necessary to take more definite conclusions."

British Medical Journal October 10 2012

Tags: Elderly Health | Europe | Heart Health | Pharmaceuticals | Women's Health & Gynaecology

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