The Hormone Question Both male and female hormones can affect a woman's risk of heart disease. Male hormones have the opposite effect. Since low HDL is a strong predictor of heart disease in women, your PCP should help you weigh the benefits and risks of hormone replacement therapy. For women taking oral contraceptives, there is only a slight increased risk for heart disease. For postmenopausal women, past research suggested that postmenopausal estrogen therapy reduces the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
New research shows less difference.
To detect heart disease, your physician may suggest a test. Although the exercise stress test has been a conventional choice, research is finding that it may be less accurate for women than men. Thallium and imaging stress tests or echocardiograms are proving to be better diagnostic tools for women. A visit to your PCP is an opportunity to learn how to keep your heart as healthy as possible.