Oestrogen protects women from heart attacks

Researchers at the University of London have found that this naturally occurring chemical helps stop blood cells sticking to the walls of arteries and forming potentially fatal blockages.

They say their findings may explain why women are far more likely to suffer heart attacks after the menopause, when their oestrogen levels decline.

Dr Suchita Nadkarni, who led the study, was quoted by the `Daily Mail` as saying, "We`ve shown a clear relationship between oestrogen levels and the behaviour of these white blood cells.

"Our results suggest that oestrogen helps maintain the delicate balance between fighting infections, and protecting arteries from damage that can lead to cardiovascular disease. Understanding how the body fights heart disease naturally is vital for developing new treatments."

Experts have hailed the findings published in the latest edition of the `Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology` journal.

Prof Jeremy Pearson, Associate Medical Director at the British Heart Foundation said: "We know that women`s health is partly protected by oestrogen. After menopause coronary heart disease rates rise steeply. It`s not yet clear quite how this protection occurs.