Estrogen Has Which of the Following Cardiovascular Effects in Women

Question

Estrogen has which of the following cardiovascular effects in women?
A)Increases levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)
B)Increases the number of adrenergic receptors in the heart
C)Stimulates red blood cell production
D)Increases nitric oxide production in blood vessels
E)Increases peripheral vascular resistance

Accepted Answer

Estrogen increases nitric oxide production in blood vessels, which leads to vasodilation and therefore a decrease in peripheral vascular resistance. This can have a beneficial effect on cardiovascular health by lowering blood pressure and reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Estrogen has been shown to have both positive and negative effects on lipid metabolism, but it is generally thought to lower LDL and increase high-density lipoprotein (HDL), which is considered protective against cardiovascular disease. Estrogen can also have positive inotropic and chronotropic effects on the heart due to its ability to increase the number of beta-adrenergic receptors, but it does not increase the number of adrenergic receptors overall. It does not directly stimulate red blood cell production.