PMOS: 4x Higher Heart Disease Risk Found

Women diagnosed with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) face a fourfold increase in their risk of developing heart disease, according to new research. This complex hormonal condition affects approximately one in eight women in the UK, impacting various aspects of health.

The findings, published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health, analyzed health insurance data from over 413,000 women with PMOS between 2000 and 2022. The elevated risk of heart disease was observed compared to over two million women without the condition.

This heightened cardiovascular risk remained significant even after experts adjusted for other contributing factors like high blood pressure and diabetes. Researchers emphasized that despite international guidelines recommending cardiovascular screening at diagnosis, patient surveys indicate significant delays in diagnosis and dissatisfaction with lifestyle counseling.

Experts are calling for enhanced physician education and greater patient awareness regarding cardiovascular disease risks associated with PMOS. They also suggest further studies are needed, particularly to track women through menopause and investigate the potential impact of treatments like GLP-1 drugs or hormonal contraception.

Formerly known as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the name change to PMOS was advocated to clarify the condition and address diagnostic delays. Recent guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice) recommends annual health check-ups for women with PMOS to monitor symptoms and manage long-term risks.