Age-Related Deterioration in Arterial Structure and Function in Postmenopausal Women Impact of Hormone Replacement Therapy

摘要: Abstract —Epidemiological evidence suggests that hormone replacement therapy (HRT) reduces morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases in postmenopausal women. In this study, indices of arterial function [total systemic compliance (SAC) carotid distensibility coefficient (DC)], structure [carotid intima-media thickness (IMT)], lipid profiles were compared women on long-term HRT aged-matched controls. One hundred nine aged 44 to 77 years taking an age-matched group 108 female controls entered into the study. The two groups similar for body mass index, smoking status, exercise level, alcohol intake, blood pressure. Fasting cholesterol, low density lipoprotein, lipoprotein(a) reduced high lipoprotein increased group. IMT with age; SAC DC age both groups. had a higher mean (0.42±0.02 versus 0.34±0.02 U/mm Hg, P =0.0001) lower (0.67±0.01 0.74±0.02 mm, =0.006) than did Subgroup analysis estrogen plus progestin revealed no differences IMT; DC, however, was greater estrogen-only users. Smokers (0.41±0.02 0.31±0.01 =0.008) (0.65±0.02 0.75±0.03 =0.002) smokers not such therapy. A protective effect age-related changes evident nonsmokers alike. Progestin appeared counteract effects only. Long-term controlled trials are needed determine significance these findings.