Timing of HRT May Influence Heart Risks

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FMD measures how well the endothelium functions. The brachial artery is the main artery in the arm.

"Endothelial dysfunction is often associated with risk factors," Steinbaum explained.

There were four groups in all: One comprised of women not on HRT, with no heart disease risk factors and about eight years postmenopausal; women not on HRT but who did have risk factors for coronary disease and a little over nine years postmenopausal; women taking estrogen alone, with risk factors and almost 12 years postmenopausal; and women taking estrogen plus progestin and 7.6 years postmenopausal.

Most women had started HRT about the time menopause started.

Women with risk factors who took HRT saw a slight improvement in FMD and, on the whole, there were no reductions in blood vessel function.

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