At this time, experts recommend that women with existing heart disease not begin taking HRT for protection. Those with heart disease who are on HRT, however, should continue, since they are probably being protected. Such recommendations may change as study results become clearer on the risks and benefits for specific women with existing heart conditions. There is no reason at this time for any women already on HRT to stop medication because of concerns over heart disease unless their physician suggests it. The current study results do not apply to women with risk factors for heart disease.
Protection persists only while a woman is on therapy.
After she stops the benefits last for awhile, but after five years her risks for heart disease are the same as if she had never taken hormone therapy. The effect of estrogen on the risks for stroke is conflicting. Some studies are showing some protection from stroke, but others have found no or insignificant benefits. Some have even found an increased risk for non-fatal stroke caused by bleeding or thromboembolism, although others have found no evidence to support this. Effects on Bones and Joints Osteoporosis .