Menopausal Hormone Therapy and Cardiovascular Risk: Where are we Now?

Transition to menopause is associated with an increase in cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk, mainly attributed to lipid and glucose metabolism dysregulation, as well as to body fat redistribution, leading to abdominal obesity. Indeed, epidemiological evidence suggests that both early menopause (EM, defined as age at menopause <45 years) and premature ovarian insufficiency (POI, defined as age at menopause <40 years) are associated with 1.5-2-fold increase in CVD risk. Menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) exerts a favorable effect on CVD risk factors (with subtle differences regarding oestrogen dose, route of administration, monotherapy or combination with progestogen and type of progestogen). Concerning CVD morbidity and mortality, most studies have shown a beneficial effect of MHT in women at early menopausal age (<10 years since the final menstrual period) or younger than 60 years. MHT is strongly recommended in women with EM and POI, as these women, if left untreated, are at risk of CVD, osteoporosis, dementia, depression and premature death. MHT has also a favorable benefit/ risk profile in perimenopausal and early postmenopausal women, provided that the patient is not at a high CVD risk (as assessed by 10-year calculation tools). Transdermal oestrogens have a lower risk of thrombosis compared with oral regimens. Concerning progestogens, natural progesterone and dydrogesterone have a neutral effect on CVD risk factors. In any case, the decision for MHT should be individualized, tailored according to the symptoms, patient preference and the risk of CVD, thrombotic episodes and breast cancer.

Should we Consider Lipoprotein (a) in Cardiovascular Disease Risk Assessment in Patients with Familial Hypercholesterolaemia?

BACKGROUND: Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a genetically determined lipid disorder, affecting 1 per 200-500 individuals in the general population. It is significantly and independently associated with an increased risk of Cardiovascular Disease (CVD), although it remains still an underrecognized and undertreated disease. Lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] is a low-density-lipoprotein (LDL)-like molecule, containing an additional protein, apolipoprotein (a). OBJECTIVE: This review aims to present and discuss available data on the role of Lp(a) in patients with FH, in terms of its potential augmentation of CVD risk. METHODS: A comprehensive search of the literature was performed to identify studies evaluating the CV effects of Lp(a) in patients with FH. RESULTS: Lp(a) has been recognised as an independent risk factor for CVD, mainly coronary artery disease (CAD). Most, but not all, studies show increased Lp(a) concentrations in adults and children with FH. There is also evidence of an independent association between Lp(a) and CVD (mainly CAD) risk in these patients. CONCLUSION: Some therapeutic modalities, such as niacin, oestrogens, tibolone and proprotein convertase subtilisin/ kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibitors may effectively reduce Lp(a) concentrations by 25-30%, although their clinical benefit of this effect remains to be established.

Accessory mitral valve without subaortic obstruction of left ventricular outflow tract in a middle-aged male.

Accessory mitral valve (AMV) is a rare congenital abnormality with a usually early-age clinical onset, being potentially a cause of subvalvular obstruction of the left ventricular outflow tract. This report describes the case of a 60-year-old patient presented with palpitations and chest pain. Primary evaluation revealed a ventricular tachycardia episode while transthoracic echocardiography showed an intracardiac additional structure at the level of the left ventricular outflow tract. After transoesophageal echocardiography and paraclinical investigations this structure was proven to be an AMV tissue which did not provoke left ventricular outflow obstruction. This case presents an unusual late-age clinical onset of AMV without a clinically significant LVOT (left ventricular outflow tract) obstruction and highlights the importance of transthoracic and transoesophageal echocardiography in the diagnosis of this rare cardiological entity.