Arterial stiffness measured by cardio‐ankle vascular index is greater in non‐obese young women with polycystic ovarian syndrome

Abstract

Aim The association of metabolic abnormalities and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) has been documented, but few studies have focused on cardiovascular risk in these women. The aim of this study was to compare arterial stiffness by using the cardio‐ankle vascular index (CAVI) in PCOS women with controls, and to evaluate whether any clinical or laboratory variables had independent associations with it. Methods A group of 160 women, matched for age and body mass index were recruited. Diagnosis of PCOS was made according to the Rotterdam criteria. Arterial stiffness using CAVI was evaluated in non‐obese young woman, with and without PCOS. Results In the PCOS group (n = 80), 60 cases (75%) had findings of hyperandrogenism, 59 (73.8%) had ovulatory dysfunction, and 70 (87.5%) had an ultrasonographic appearance of polycystic ovaries. Women with PCOS had significantly higher mean CAVI values when compared to subjects without PCOS (5.78 ± 0.64 vs 5.28 ± 0.77, P < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis revealed that androgen excess was associated with increased arterial stiffness, independent of ovulatory dysfunction, polycystic ovaries, body mass index and age. Conclusion This data suggests that vascular compliance is decreased in young women with PCOS. Androgen excess is independently associated with increased arterial stiffness.

Serum pregnancy-associated placental protein-a (PAPP-A) levels are increased in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women with oligo-anovulation

“…Due to the unfavorable cardio-metabolic profile, women with PCOS are considered at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). In fact, previous studies exploring subclinical atherosclerosis showed increased carotid-intima media thickness and arterial stiffness, and impaired flow mediated dilatation [4,17,18]. Moreover, several large cohort studies confirmed that these women are at increased risk for CVD [19,20].…”

“…PCOS is diagnosed when oligo-anovulation, polycystic ovarian morphology (PCOM), biochemical and/or biochemical hyperandrogenism (HA) and their combinations are present, which forms the phenotypes [3]. Besides its reproductive complications such as oligo-anovulation and infertility, PCOS also carries a considerable risk of future medical comorbidities and long-term risks including insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, cardiovascular disorders, and microvascular dysfunction [4][5][6]. To date, the exact pathophysiology of the development of PCOS and PCOS phenotypes is poorly understood.…”

Homocysteine is an indicator of arterial stiffness in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome

“…Armeni et al reported that AS, evaluated by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index, was increased in asymptomatic nondiabetic postmenopausal women(mean age 55.6±7.8 years) with PCOS (7). Similarly, AS measured by cardio-ankle vascular index was found to be greater in young nonobese women with PCOS (mean age 22.90±3.04 years) compared to subjects without PCOS (6). Besides age, BP has been verified as another common factor that influences AS (27).…”

“…However, the impact of PCOS on future CVD risk should not be overlooked, and opportunities to implement CVD prevention strategies in these women should be prioritized ( 3 ). Arterial stiffness(AS) is known to play a predictive role in CVD ( 4 ), and clinical data show that AS is increased in women with PCOS ( 5 , 6 , 7 ). Automated computer-assisted brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) is a diagnostic method to investigate AS that has been recommended in large-scale sample studies ( 4 ).…”

A mini-review of the evidence for cerebrovascular changes following gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy and a call for increased focus on cerebrovascular transgender health

“…An important cohort for investigating this is patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition commonly characterised by hyperandrogenism, irregular/missing menstruation, and ovarian cysts. Excess testosterone increases systemic arterial stiffness in PCOS patients compared to controls (Kilic et al, 2021) but the influence on cerebrovascular function is vastly under-researched. Acar et al (2005) reported no statistically significant difference in CBV using colour duplex sonography, though blood velocity in the vertebral artery was significantly reduced in PCOS patients.…”