Background: We investigated the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on coronary artery bypass surgery and postoperative mortality and morbidity in the postmenopausal period.

Methods: The study included 47 postmenopausal women (mean age 59±3 years; range 57 to 63 years) who underwent coronary artery bypass surgery between 2002 and 2006. The patients were evaluated in two groups: those who were not receiving HRT, and those who were under HRT. The preoperative, operative, and postoperative data of the patients were evaluated.

Results: The perioperative need for blood and blood products was significantly less in patients receiving HRT (p<0.05). Patients under HRT had a higher incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation (p<0.05). During intensive care stay and service follow-up, body temperatures were significantly lower in the HRT group (p<0.05). This was especially notable on the postoperative third and seventh days. Although blood cell counts in terms of hematocrit and hemoglobin levels were similar in two groups, patients who were not receiving HRT exhibited significantly higher leukocyte levels, especially after the third postoperative day (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Hormone replacement therapy does not seem to have an effect on early mortality in women after coronary bypass surgery; however, it may decrease postoperative morbidity which is higher in women.

Keywords : Coronary artery bypass; estrogen replacement therapy; postmenopause; postoperative complications