How does HRT help to counter heart disease?

Does HRT help to counter heart disease?

We know that elevated blood cholesterol increases the risk of coronary heart disease. There are two different types of cholesterol (low and high density). High levels of low density (LDL) cholesterol is a risk factor for heart disease whereas high density cholesterol (HDL) provides protection. Women during their reproductive years have higher HDL-cholesterol and lower LDL-cholesterol than men. Following the menopause, the balance between HDL- and LDL- cholesterol becomes similar to that seen in men and hence the protection to the heart is lost. It was shown, as early as 1952, that following the menopause HRT will restore the balance between HDL- and LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol is also reduced.

Hormone replacement therapy may reduce heart problems by additional mechanisms to its beneficial effect on cholesterol chemistry. Platelets (Q 24.10) may become less sticky reducing the risks of clotting in the arteries (thrombosis), and fibrinolytic activity (Q 24.17C) may be increased in the blood so that very tiny clots in the arteries are more quickly dispersed. HRT also has a tendency to dilate blood vessels.  

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