The effects of hormone replacement therapy on coronary heart disease.

The importance of cardiovascular disease as a cause of morbidity and mortality in women is well appreciated. Cardiovascular disease accounts for approximately 48% of deaths in women in the United States. In particular, coronary heart disease (CHD) accounts for approximately one-half of these deaths. This article describes current evidence that suggests it is premature to recommend hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a proven prevention strategy for CHD.