Postmenopausal Hormone Replacement Therapy for the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Disease

Summary

There is fair evidence to recommend against the use of Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) for the primary prevention of myocardial infarction and death from cardiovascular disease in peri-menopausal women without established CAD (D recommendation).

To maintain good heart health, women should be advised to adopt other effective preventive strategies, such as lifestyle changes that include increased exercise, lower fat diets, smoking cessation, and blood pressure assessment and control. There is insufficient evidence to make a recommendation on the use of HRT for the primary prevention of stroke and death from cerebrovascular disease.