March 14, 2005
Hormone therapy, lipoprotein subclasses, and coronary calcification: the Healthy Women Study.
Key result
Hormone therapy in postmenopausal women was not associated with a significant difference in coronary artery calcification scores or improved LDL subclass distribution compared with nonusers.
Why the study?
Does hormone therapy improve lipoprotein subclasses or reduce coronary calcification in postmenopausal women?
Population
243 women, approximately 8 years postmenopausal, from the Healthy Women Study
Comparison
Hormone therapy (HT) vs Nonusers of hormone therapy
Design
Cohort
Authors
Discussion
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Member takes
Implication
No support for hormone therapy via these surrogates in postmenopausal women; leaves open alternative pathways for cardiovascular effects.
Study Design
Type
Cohort (n=243)
Structured PICO
Does hormone therapy improve lipoprotein subclasses or reduce coronary calcification in postmenopausal women?
P
Population
243 women, approximately 8 years postmenopausal, from the Healthy Women Study
I
Intervention
Hormone therapy (HT)
C
Comparator
Nonusers of hormone therapy
O
Outcome
Differences in coronary artery calcification (CAC) determined by electron beam computed tomography, lipids, and lipoprotein subclasses determined by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopysurrogate
Hormone therapy in postmenopausal women does not improve LDL subclass distribution or reduce coronary artery calcification, providing a mechanistic explanation for the lack of cardiovascular benefit seen in clinical trials.
Cite This Study
Mackey et al. (2005) conducted a cohort in Postmenopausal (n=243). Hormone therapy vs. Nonusers was evaluated on Coronary artery calcification (CAC) scores and lipoprotein subclasses. Hormone therapy in postmenopausal women was not associated with a significant difference in coronary artery calcification scores or improved LDL subclass distribution compared with nonusers.