[Hormonal replacement therapy and selective estrogen receptor modulators in prevention of cardiovascular disease].

Postmenopausal women are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease because of increased prevalence of major coronary artery disease risk factors. The protective activity on cardiovascular system of estrogen was postulated. The data from many studies indicate favourable effect of estrogen replacement therapy. However prospective, randomized clinical trials have not proved protective influence of hormonal replacement therapy (HRT) on cardiovascular system. Moreover it was found to increased the risk of cardiovascular disease events. This article presents mechanism of estrogens activity and results of major clinical trials concerning hormonal replacement therapy. Activity of selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) was also described.