New Study Finds Hormone Therapy May Reduce Heart Attack Risk

October 10, 2012

Lee Rannals for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

According to a study published in the journal BMJ, taking hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may reduce the risk of developing heart problems.

The researchers found that HRT is not associated with an increased risk of cancer or stroke as several previous studies have claimed, and it also may help reduce the risk of heart attacks.

The team followed 1,000 women over 10 years, half of which were on HRTs. Women who took part in the study were between 45 and 58 years old, and were recently menopausal.

HRT had significantly reduced risk of mortality, heart failure, or heart attack, without any apparent increase of cancer, deep vein thrombosis or stroke, the researchers wrote in the journal.

However, they cautioned due to the potential time lag, longer time and additional studies may be needed to more accurately assess the potential benefits of HRTs.

HRTs are commonly used to replace female hormones that are no longer produced following menopause, and they can help to reduce symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, insomnia, headaches and irritability.

Over 30 women in the group after 10 years had not taken HRT, and had died or suffered from heart failure or a heart attack, compared to 16 women who had taken the treatment.

They also found that 36 women in the HRT group were treated for cancer compared to 39 who had not taken HRT.

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New Study Finds Hormone Therapy May Reduce Heart Attack Risk