Our understanding of menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and cardiovascular (CV) risk has evolved over the last two decades, with data that can inform decision making. The topic, at the intersection of cardiology and women’s health, is an important issue for our female patients and health care providers. Despite this, managing CV risk, and the risk associated with MHT in women, is not emphasized in cardiology training. In this episode, Drs. Abramson, Ahmed, Kalenga, and McLaughlin address these knowledge gaps and discuss new research on the relationship between MHT and hypertension. Additionally, the broader issue of addressing CV risk in post-menopausal women requiring or requesting MHT and counseling and managing women on hormone therapy from the cardiologist’s perspective are also examined.

Related References:

1. Kalenga CZ, Metcalfe A, Robert M, Nerenberg KA, MacRae JM, Ahmed SB. Association between the route of administration and formulation of estrogen therapy and hypertension risk in postmenopausal women: a prospective population-based study. Hypertension 2023;80:1463-73.
2. “The 2022 Hormone Therapy Position Statement of The North American Menopause Society” Advisory Panel. The 2022 hormone therapy position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause 2022;29:767-94.
3. Abramson BL, Black DR, Christakis, MK, Fortier M, Wolfman W. Guideline no. 422e: menopause and cardiovascular disease. J Obstet Gynaecol Can 2021;43:1438−43.