Hormone Replacement Therapy Connected to Stroke Risk
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Contributed by Jai A. Dennison| 09 January, 2005 19:58 GMT
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has been linked to an increased risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke, according to a review of scientific trials published online at bmj.com.These results support previous studies that have suggested a connection between HRT and stroke.
29% Increase
Researchers at the University of Nottingham reviewed the evidence from 28 completed trials involving 39,769 individuals. They assessed the risk of stroke by type, severity and outcome.
Hormone replacement therapy was associated with an overall 29% increase in the risk of stroke, especially ischemic stroke, which is caused by an insufficient blood supply to the brain.
The severity of stroke also increased with hormone replacement therapy.
Cause Unclear
It remains unclear why HRT should increase ischemic stroke and its severity when some previous studies have suggested it might have a protective effect, say the authors.
However, given these findings, HRT cannot be recommended for the primary or secondary prevention of stroke, they caution. |
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