There are many diseases specific to women, especially those of the reproductive age. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one such health issue that affects a large number of women worldwide. It has become so common that an estimated 1/5th (20%) Indian women have PCOS. The condition that affects a woman’s ovaries exhibits itself as irregular periods, acne, weight gain, and even infertility. Many experts say that the effects of PCOS aren’t restricted to just reproductive health but extend way beyond that. But does it affect heart health? The answer is yes, as a recent study has shown.
About The Study
The study was undertaken by Apple, Harvard TH Chan School of Public Health, and the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. More than 37,000 women were part of this study, which was conducted from November 2019 to December 2021. Out of the 37,000 participants, 12% reported suffering from PCOS.
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- The study revealed that PCOS can increase your risk of a host of health issues, which include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and cardiovascular, or heart, diseases.
- Out of all the participants suffering from PCOS, 61% reported obesity, which is a known risk factor for cardiovascular issues.
- 5.6% of the PCOS-affected participants reported having an irregular heartbeat.
- Also, PCOS increases your risk of high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which also increase your risk of heart diseases.
Notably, some participants didn’t suffer from PCOS but reported irregular heartbeat.
Also read: Suffering From PCOS? Expert Suggests Ways To Boost Fertility In Women
How To Manage PCOS?
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This study suggests a possible connection between PCOS and heart health. However, more research is needed into the mechanism of this connection. But, one thing we all know is that both PCOS and heart health are affected by lifestyle. Hence, you can manage PCOS by developing a healthy lifestyle. Here are some ways you can do it:
- Balanced Diet: Have a healthy and well-balanced diet. It is crucial for your overall health and for managing PCOS.
- Physical Activity: If you have a sedentary lifestyle, you have a greater chance of getting obese, which can lead to PCOS. Obesity can also affect heart health. Hence, ensure that you include some amount of exercise in your daily routine. At least 150 minutes of physical activity per week is generally recommended.
- In some cases, medication is also given.
Also read: Suffering From PCOS? Here Are 5 Herbal Teas That Might Help
How To Manage Heart Health?
Here are some of the ways you can take care of heart health, as per the US National Library of Medicine:
- Eat a balanced diet with lots of fruits and vegetables along with whole grains, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.
- Exercise works up your heart muscles and improves circulation. Hence, work out regularly.
- Manage your weight to prevent obesity.
- Stress has become a major contributor to poor heart health. Hence, employ stress management techniques, such as yoga, deep breathing, exercise, etc.
- Limiting alcohol intake can also prevent heart diseases.
- Smoking harms your health in more ways than one. It has a detrimental impact on heart health. Hence, quit smoking sooner rather than later.
- Sleep is crucial for overall health. Hence, ensure you get seven to eight hours of restful sleep daily.
As you saw, your reproductive and heart health are connected in some way. Hence, aim for taking care of your overall health to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.
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