PCOS Linked too Substantially Higher Cardiovascular Risk in Women, Awareness Lagging
PARIS – Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death for French women, responsible for approximately 140,000 deaths annually, with over 18,000 attributed to stroke, according to Public Health France. Though, a critical risk factor - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) – remains largely unaddressed in preventative cardiology, leaving millions of women vulnerable. experts are sounding the alarm over a “medical blind spot” where women diagnosed with PCOS, often in their 20s and 30s due to menstrual cycle irregularities, are not routinely informed of their increased cardiac risk.
this gap in awareness is particularly concerning given emerging research highlighting the metabolic consequences of PCOS. A 2024 study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (MDPI) found women with PCOS also frequently exhibit renal hyperfiltration, an early indicator of metabolic stress that can escalate the risk of long-term cardiovascular and kidney complications. Despite these findings, PCOS is not currently recognized as an official risk factor in cardiological recommendations.
PCOS-related cardiovascular risk stems from insulin resistance, a hallmark of the condition. Lifestyle interventions – a 5-10% weight loss, 150 minutes of weekly physical activity, and a diet high in fiber and low in fast sugars – can significantly improve insulin sensitivity and lipid profiles. Experts recommend a comprehensive metabolic assessment upon PCOS diagnosis, with annual follow-up even in young women.
The role of general practitioners and gynecologists is crucial in detecting warning signs and referring patients to cardiologists or endocrinologists when necessary. For some, medication like metformin, an antidiabetic drug that enhances insulin sensitivity, may also be beneficial. Addressing PCOS proactively, rather than reactively, is vital to mitigating the significant cardiovascular threat it poses to women.