Effects of hormonal replacement therapy in postmenopausal hypertensive patients

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) on blood pressure (BP) in postmenopausal hypertensive women. Methods: Sixty wo men affected by hypertension were enrolled and randomized in two groups of treatment: transdermal continuous HRT in a sequential regimen (group A) and placebo (group P). At baseline, after 3 and 6 months of treatment, the EP with standard sphygmomanometer and with 24-h ambulatory recording method wa s evaluated in two periods (from day 10 through day 16 of the cycle and fro m day 20 through day 27 of the cycle). At the same time, we also evaluated total cholesterol, LDL-c, HDL-c, triglycerides, and fibrinogen levels. Resu lts: After 3 and 6 months of treatment, no significant variations of systol ic and diastolic BP measured with standard sphygmomanometer were detected i n both groups. On the contrary, in group A in comparison with basal values and group P, and without difference between the two phases of treatment, th e 24-h recording showed a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in BP. No signifi cant variations were detected in group P versus baseline. In particular, we observed in group A at 3 months of treatment a significant (P < 0.05) decr ease only in daytime BP in comparison with basal values and group P, withou t difference between the two phases of treatment. Indeed, the decrease in d aytime BP was significant (P < 0.05) for both systolic and diastolic BP. At 3 and 6 months a significant (P < 0.05) decrease in total cholesterol, LDL -c and fibrinogen levels was detected in group A versus baseline and group P. HDL-c and triglyceride concentrations showed no significant variations. Conclusions: The transdermal HRT induces a significant reduction of BP valu es and a favorable metabolic action in postmenopausal hypertensive patients . (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.