Exploring the Connection: How Gynecological Disorders Might Increase Risk for Heart Disease and Stroke

According to a comprehensive analysis published in Heart, women with common gynecological disorders like endometriosis or irregular periods might face an increased risk of heart disease and conditions affecting blood flow to the brain, such as cerebrovascular disease. This pooled data review considered various studies conducted up until April 2024.

The researchers emphasize that while many non-cancerous gynecological issues are prevalent among women—such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, adenomyosis, uterine fibroids, primary dysmenorrhea, chronic pelvic pain, irregular or heavy periods, and abnormal uterine bleeding—they significantly impact their health. Previous studies have indicated a possible connection between these conditions and cardiovascular or cerebrovascular diseases.

To delve deeper into this relationship, the researchers examined 59 relevant studies published up to April 2024. From these, they selected 28 involving approximately three million women for systematic review and inclusion in their pooled data analysis. Notably, only endometriosis, PCOS, heavy periods, and irregular menstrual cycles were studied.

The combined findings revealed that individuals with one or more of these gynecological disorders had a significantly higher risk—28%—of developing cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases compared to those without any. More specifically, the analysis indicated a 41% increase in the risk of ischemic heart disease and a 33% rise in the likelihood of isolated cerebrovascular issues.

Further investigation showed that women with endometriosis or PCOS had an elevated overall risk for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The researchers hypothesize potential biological links, such as systemic inflammation and estrogen production, between these conditions and heart-related illnesses.

The study also highlights the overlap in risk factors between gynecological disorders and cardiovascular disease. For example, metabolic syndrome is frequently observed in women with PCOS.

However, the researchers acknowledge that the studies included were diverse in design and methodology. Over half of them (53.5%) were at high risk for bias due to insufficient consideration of influential factors. Additionally, certain aspects of cardiovascular disease—such as atrial fibrillation—were not addressed within these investigations.

Despite these limitations, they emphasize the need for further research with longitudinal studies that adjust for confounders to establish clear temporal relationships and causality between gynecological disorders and heart diseases.

In conclusion, while more exploration is needed to confirm these findings, the researchers urge raising awareness of this potential association among both the public and healthcare professionals. This awareness could lead to improved advice on risk-reducing behavioral changes and interventions that may help prevent or delay the onset of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases.