For decades, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) has been primarily understood as a reproductive health issue. But emerging research is now sounding the alarm on a far more dangerous connection: its role as a significant contributor to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women.
A recent report highlights that women with PCOS face a markedly higher risk of developing heart-related complications, including heart attacks and strokes—regardless of whether they are overweight or diabetic. The finding underscores the need for a broader clinical understanding of PCOS, one that extends beyond fertility and hormonal imbalance.
A Hidden Cardiac Risk
PCOS affects nearly 1 in 10 women of reproductive age worldwide, often presenting with symptoms like irregular periods, excessive facial hair, and acne. But beneath the surface, the syndrome is frequently accompanied by insulin resistance, chronic inflammation, and dyslipidemia—conditions that quietly escalate cardiovascular risk.
“Even in lean women, PCOS creates a metabolic environment ripe for heart disease,” said Dr. Meera Jain, an endocrinologist at AIIMS. “We’ve underestimated the cardiovascular burden this condition carries.”
Meta-analyses and long-term studies have found that women with PCOS face a 37% to 51% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease compared to women without the condition. The risks include hypertension, coronary artery disease, and even cerebrovascular events like stroke.
The Role of Insulin Resistance and Inflammation
What makes PCOS particularly dangerous is that the threat to heart health doesn’t just stem from obesity. Instead, insulin resistance—a hallmark of the condition—leads to impaired glucose regulation, increased fat storage, and arterial inflammation. Chronic low-grade inflammation, another common feature, contributes to arterial damage over time.
“Obesity adds fuel to the fire,” noted Dr. Jain, “but the fire itself is lit by metabolic dysfunction.”
Beyond Fertility: A Call for Cardiovascular Screening
The medical community is increasingly advocating for routine cardiovascular screening for women diagnosed with PCOS—even those in their 20s and 30s. Early intervention through lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, dietary modifications, and blood sugar control can dramatically reduce long-term risks.
The American Heart Association has also acknowledged PCOS as a potential risk-enhancing factor in assessing heart disease, urging clinicians to adopt a more holistic view during screenings.
A Shift in Public Health Priorities
This growing body of evidence is pushing policymakers and healthcare providers to reframe PCOS as a systemic metabolic disorder, not just a reproductive one. Women’s heart health—which has long been overshadowed by male-centric cardiovascular models—now finds a compelling entry point for reform through the lens of PCOS.
“As we rethink the broader impacts of women’s health conditions,” said Dr. Ritu Sharma, a cardiologist, “PCOS may be one of the most underdiagnosed cardiovascular threats of our time.”
