HRT does lead to lower risk of heart failure, study finds

MENOPAUSAL women on hormone replacement therapy have healthier hearts, a British study has found.

Their heart structure and function were linked to a lower risk of heart failure and death.

The impact of HRT, now known as menopausal hormone therapy, on heart health has previously been controversial and unclear.

Queen Mary University of London used data from UK Biobank – a database of information and samples from 500,000 Britons. Dr Mihir Sanghvi said: “The use of MHT is not associated with any adverse changes to the heart’s structure and function, and may be associated with some healthier heart characteristics.” Ashleigh Doggett, of the British Heart Foundation, added: “This suggests the treatment does have a positive effect on the heart’s structure...”