Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) does not protect post-menopausal women against cardiovascular disease and may increase risk of stroke, according to a recent study. Research, published in the Cochrane Library, looked at data from more than 40,000 women across the world.
The results found no evidence that HRT provides any protective effects against death from cardiovascular disease, non-fatal heart attacks or angina, either in healthy women or women with pre-existing heart disease. However, the researchers did find some evidence of a small increased risk of stroke for post-menopausal women.
Maureen Talbot, British Heart Foundation, senior cardiac nurse, commented: “It is important that women have a full understanding of the risks and benefits of HRT and they should talk this through with their GP.”
