HRT to prevent cardiovascular disease - What studies show, how to advise patients

How should you advise postmenopausal patients who are considering estrogen therapy? Do the potential cardiovascular benefits outweigh the risks? Does hormone therapy improve the cardiovascular risk profile in women with estab lished coronary artery disease? In this article, Drs Wood and Cox help clar ify the current clinical data for and against hormone replacement therapy f or prevention of cardiovascular disease. In addition, they discuss current treatment recommendations and future directions in hormone therapy.