• Journal of Korean Biological Nursing Science
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• v.12 no.1
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• pp.63-72
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• 2010

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to assess the effects of raloxifene in prevention of cardiovascular disease in postmenopausal women. Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted. Data sources: The existing literature from 1986 to 2009 was searched electronically using the data base of Medline with the key words of hypertension, obesity, diabetes, cholesterol, lipid, myocardial infarction, coronary events with combination of raloxifene. Study selection: The criteria for inclusion in the review were 1) an randomized clinical trial (RCT), 2) postmenopausal women, 3) English or Korean language. Finally, 15 articles were included in the review. Data extraction: Findings from the studies were organized according to the results of lipid profile changes by two authors. Results: Among 15 articles, 12 studies reported the beneficial effects of raloxifene on LDL cholesterol and 9 studies on total cholesterol in the postmenopausal women. Conclusion: The consistent results on reduction of LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol in raloxifene using postmenopausal women were confirmed. However, the effect of raloxifene on other components of lipid profile and endothelial function were still remaining controversial.