Plasma lipids, lipoprotein Lp(a), apolipoproteins, and hemostatic risk factors distributions in postmenopausal women.

In the present study, the effect of hormone replacement therapy on lipid metabolism, apolipoproteins and hemostatic risk factors for cardiovascular disease was assessed in 216 Croatian postmenopausal women. There were 156 current users divided in to two groups according to the duration of therapy. The short-term study of < 10 months (X +/- SD 5.31 +/- 2.69) included 49 users, and long-term study of > 11 months (X +/- SD 22.06 +/- 10.95) included 107 users of hormone replacement therapy. Sixty nonusers served as a control group. In the short-term study, current users had a significant increase in serum HDL cholesterol, apolipoprotein A-I, A-II and a decrease in total/HDL cholesterol ratio, apoB and antithrombin III (p < 0.05). No significant differences were recorded for total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, lipoprotein Lp(a) and plasminogen. In the long-term study, a significant increase in HDL cholesterol, apo A-I and total/HDL cholesterol ratio, and a decrease in AT III were observed. Results of the study showed favorable effects of hormone replacement therapy on serum lipid profile and apolipoproteins as a protective regimen from cardiovascular disease in both treatment groups of postmenopausal women. There are conflicting reports regarding increased fibrinolytic activity. The clinical relevance of the observed changes in antithrombin III concentrations as an important coagulation inhibitor is doubtful and should be considered in a more extensive evaluation of the potential hemostatic risk factors for cardiovascular risk and thromboembolism.