New emerging risk factors for cardiovascular disease: their relation with menopause and hormone therapy

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in women over the age of 60. Over the last decade it has become clear that many physiological mechanisms are influenced by female sex hormones. New cardiovascular risk factors and markers are being identified. The changes in cardiovascular risk factors with menopause and hormone replacement therapy are reviewed. Types and routes of hormone replacement therapy and the effect of addition of progestogens are discussed where data are available. Lipids, coagulation, inflammation, endothelin-1 and homocysteine are examined.