Cardioprotective effects of ovarian hormones.

This paper reviews the evidence regarding the cardioprotective effects of oestrogen replacement therapy in postmenopausal women. Oestrogens have been shown to improve serum lipid profiles, carbohydrate metabolism, and insulin sensitivity; prevent the formation and development of atherosclerotic plaque; reduce blood pressure and plasma fibrinogen levels; and favourably affect overall cardiac function. Thus, oestrogen replacement therapy may prevent or inhibit the progression of existing coronary disease, and may also have a protective effect against acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischaemic events.