Women with PMOS Have 4 Times Higher Risk of Heart Attacks and Strokes, Says Lancet Study

Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), previously known as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), has multiple side effects that extend beyond the reproductive system. Some of its negative effects include hormonal imbalances, severe metabolic dysfunction such as insulin resistance, skin and hair changes, and mental health challenges. But apart from this, PMOS can also harm your heart health. Yes, you read that right. 

A new Lancet study has made this discovery, stating that women who have PMOS are 4 times more likely to suffer cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. Today, we will explain all about this study in this article.  

What is The New Study on PMOS and Heart Diseases About?

A latest study, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women's Health journal, discovered that women with PMOS have four times higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease as compared to those without the condition. The large study tracked over 2.4 million women. The heart diseases mentioned in the study include heart attacks, strokes, and coronary artery disease. 

The researchers also discovered that traditional risk factors such as obesity, high blood pressure, and diabetes only explain about 36% of this heightened danger. This proves that PMOS acts as an independent risk driver for heart disease. This can be blamed on the condition’s own distinct biological pathways such as chronic inflammation and hormonal imbalances. The study emphases that doctors should recognise PMOS as a critical, lifelong cardiovascular risk factor that needs proactive heart screenings right from the time of diagnosis. 

How PMOS is Linked to Heart Health

Let us try to understand how PMOS is associated with or impacts your heart health. As per a 2012 study, published in the International Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, PMOS acts as a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease because its metabolic effects extend far beyond the reproductive system. 

Shedding more light on this, the study noted that the condition frequently causes insulin resistance and high blood sugar. These can significantly increase the risk of developing type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. These metabolic disruptions, coupled with weight gain, cause unhealthy lipid levels. Moreover, women with PMOS experience chronic, low-grade systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. All these further damage the lining of blood vessels. This underlying arterial damage, coupled with a higher rate of high blood pressure, leads to early stiffening and dysfunction in the vascular system. All these combined factors increase long-term risks for severe cardiovascular events such as heart attacks and strokes. 

Symptoms and Causes of PMOS

According to the Cleveland Clinic, here are some of the symptoms of PMOS:

• Irregular periods.
• Abnormal hair growth.
• Acne.
• Obesity.
• Darkening of the skin.
• Cysts.
• Skin tags.
• Thinning hair.
• Infertility.

According to the Mayo Clinic, these are some of the causes of PMOS:

• Insulin resistance.
• Genes.
• Too much androgen activity.

ALSO READ- Understanding PCOS and Period: A Complete Guide

Conclusion

To summarise, PMOS is far more than a reproductive disorder. Its complex metabolic condition can put women at lifetime risk of heart attacks and strokes. This is because the condition's distinct pathways such as chronic inflammation and insulin resistance can directly drive long-term arterial damage. Therefore, it is important to recognise PMOS as an independent cardiac risk factor and allow doctors to implement early screenings and proactive heart-health strategies to protect patients’ overall wellbeing.