Long-term consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome on cardiovascular risk

Abstract

2 CAPSULEPostmenopausal women with PCOS have increased cerebro-vascular events and cardiovascular morbidity. Our best long-term strategy is information, acknowledging women with PCOS of their risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. 3 ABSTRACTMost available data suggest that the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is smaller than what expected on the basis of the risk calculation during fertile age; therefore, we need many more studies on their long term cardiovascular consequences although evidence is accumulating that women with PCOS at postmenopausal age have an increase in cerebro-vascular events and in cardiovascular morbidity. These events are partially related to the persisting hyperandrogenism but are mostly correlated to the excessive body weight (mainly to the visceral obesity); this suggests that our best long term strategy is the information, acknowledging women with PCOS of their high risk for metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

Metformin modulates human leukocyte/endothelial cell interactions and proinflammatory cytokines in polycystic ovary syndrome patients

“…A high incidence of insulin resistance (IR) and cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, obesity, dyslipidemia and type 2 diabetes are reported in PCOS subjects [2,3], all of which increases the probability of future cardiovascular disease. In addition, several studies have indicated that PCOS subjects can develop subclinical atherosclerosis at a young age [4e6], while others have reported increased cardiovascular morbidity in these patients, though the available data are inconclusive and scarce [7,8].…”

Long term complications of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

“…Their conclusions are still contradictory. For example, in Rizzo et al review [25], five studies concluded that PCOS women are at risk for cardiovascular diseases, which was not proved in three other studies. Definition of PCOS, cardiovascular endpoints and median age of patients were different in each study.…”

Long-Term Morbidity: Cardiovascular Disease, Cancer, and Depression in PCOS

“…One study reported that, after adjusting for confounders, women with polycystic appearing ovaries were more likely to have stenotic CAD (i.e., more coronary artery segments with >50 % diameter loss) than women with normal appearing ovaries ( n = 142) [ 26 ]. Eight additional studies were included in a systematic review, fi ve of which found an increased risk associated with cardiovascular endpoints in the PCOS population, while three studies found no difference in cardiac events compared to age-matched women [ 27 ]. A prospective study followed 31 of 35 women with PCOS (diagnosed in 1987 via histology at wedge resection, and confi rmed by Rotterdam criteria in 2008) and 160 age-matched controls into late menopause.…”