Both increase HDL and lower LDL, thus improving heart disease risk factors. The report also recognizes the connection between insulin resistance, a precursor to Type II diabetes, and the dramatic increase in heart disease. Since insulin controls the body's ability to use or metabolize carbohydrates, fats and protein, insulin resistance inhibits its normal ability to do so. This makes way for changes that could lead to heart disease. Elevated triglycerides, even at borderline levels, are seen as a major risk factor in the onset of heart disease, as is too much abdominal fat indicated by waist measurement.
Treatment includes exercise, weight control, and for some, medication.
Studies have not shown that HRT reduces the risk of coronary events or deaths among post-menopausal whether they have heart disease or not. Cooperative Extension programs are available to all without discrimination. Where trade names are used, no discrimination is intended and no endorsement by Colorado State University Cooperative Extension is implied.