The effect of hormone replacement therapy on carotid arteries: measurement with a high frequency ultrasound system

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on carotid arteries in postmenopausal women with a high frequency ultrasound system. Methods: In a clinical cross-sectional study carotid artery layers were measured in 82 postmenopausal women receiving a sequential regimen of HRT (oestradiol valerate 2 mg and dydrogesterone 10 mg) and in 70 postmenopausal women without HRT. Measurements of the left carotid artery layers (externa, media, intima) were taken with a single mechanically activated 22.5-MHz transducer with an effective band width of 8 MHz. Results: A statistically significant increase in thickness of the media layer of the carotid artery was observed in the HRT group (0.34±0.06 mm) as compared to the untreated group (0.27±0.03 mm). The media/intima ratio of the treated group was statistically significantly higher than that of the untreated group ( P<0.05). The mean strength of the carotid wall was 0.70±0.17 mm in the 70 postmenopausal women without HRT and 0.76±0.24 mm in the 82 patients undergoing HRT. Conclusion: HRT has a morphological effect on the carotid arteries in postmenopausal women. These findings support a cardioprotective effect, especially in terms of prevention of atherosclerosis. This effect can be measured non-invasively by high frequency ultrasound.