Effect of raloxifene on aortic elasticity in healthy postmenopausal women

The effect of raloxifene on aortic elasticity in healthy postmenopausal women is unknown. The purpose of the present study was to examine the effect of raloxifene on aortic elasticity and cardiovascular structure and function in healthy postmenopausal women. A randomized, crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was performed. Fourteen healthy postmenopausal women received treatment with raloxifene 60 mg daily and matching placebo for 8 weeks with an 8-week washout period in between the 2 treatment periods. Cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging was used to assess ascending thoracic and abdominal aortic elasticity and cardiovascular structure and function (left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and mass and mitral annular displacement) before and at the end of each treatment period. Administration of raloxifene had no significant effect on either heart rate or systemic blood pressure. Raloxifene treatment was associated with a small decrease of the ascending aorta wall thickness (pretreatment 2.4 ± 0.3 vs posttreatment 2.2 ± 0.2 mm, P = .01). Consequently, there was an increase in the Young's elastic modulus after raloxifene treatment at the ascending thoracic aorta but not the abdominal aorta. There were no significant differences in aortic compliance or any cardiac indexes after raloxifene treatment. Raloxifene administration in healthy postmenopausal women over an 8-week period may decrease the aortic wall thickness but has no significant effects on aortic compliance or cardiac structure and function.