[Vascular health of the ageing woman].

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of mortality in both men and women, but in women these diseases manifest at a later age. After menopause, the decline in estrogen levels accelerates key atherogenic processes, including dyslipidemia, endothelial dysfunction and arterial stiffening, increasing the risk for cardiovascular events. In the healthy vasculature, estrogen has several structural and functional protective effects. The primary indication for menopausal hormone therapy is the treatment of climacteric symptoms, in particular hot flashes. With appropriate timing of estrogen treatment, it is possible to improve the ageing women's vascular health.