Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting roughly 10% of women of reproductive age. However, it doesn’t just affect the ovaries.
PCOS puts you at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD), so protecting your heart health is essential if you have this condition. February — American Heart Month and National Wear Red Day® — is a great time to learn about this connection.
The team at Nile Women’s Health Care in Roswell and Johns Creek, Georgia, specializes in managing PCOS and helping patients mitigate its associated risks. Here’s a look at the link between PCOS and heart disease and how to safeguard your heart.
Hormonal imbalance is at the core of PCOS, particularly hyperandrogenism (elevated male hormones) and insulin resistance. While these issues primarily cause symptoms like irregular periods, acne, and fertility challenges, they can also contribute to cardiovascular problems.
Many women with PCOS struggle with insulin resistance, a condition where the body’s cells don’t respond effectively to insulin, which often leads to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. High blood sugar can damage your blood vessels, increasing the likelihood of heart disease.
It’s common for women with PCOS to experience weight gain, especially around the abdomen. This “visceral fat” goes hand-in-hand with higher triglyceride levels and lower “good” HDL cholesterol — both markers for cardiovascular risk.
Elevated blood pressure is common in women with PCOS, further raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Women with PCOS often have lipid issues, such as high cholesterol or increased LDL (bad cholesterol). Over time, this builds up in artery walls, leading to atherosclerosis (hardened arteries).
These factors combined mean that if you have PCOS, you’re more likely to experience cardiovascular problems, like a heart attack or stroke, compared to women without the condition.
The good news is that adopting heart-healthy habits and working with medical professionals like our Nile Women’s Health Care team to manage your PCOS symptoms can dramatically lower your cardiovascular risks.
Strategies to improve your blood sugar control:
Eat a balanced diet with low-glycemic foods like whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to maintain steady blood sugar levels.
Exercise regularly, working in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise weekly to improve insulin sensitivity and overall heart health.
Take insulin-sensitizing medications like metformin to regulate blood sugar levels.
Losing even 5-10% of your body weight can significantly reduce your risk of CVD. We can help you lose weight and keep it off.
High blood pressure and heart problems go hand-in-hand. Give your heart a break by keeping your blood pressure in check.
Watch your sodium intake, and limit it to no more than 2,300 mg daily by cutting back on processed foods.
Reduce stress and get plenty of quality sleep to help stabilize blood pressure.
Use medications when needed. We may prescribe ACE inhibitors or other blood-pressure medications based on your condition.
To reduce harmful cholesterol, choose healthy fats like avocados, nuts, seeds, and cold-water fish (like salmon), and avoid trans fats found in fried or processed foods.
Statins can help if lifestyle changes alone don’t improve your cholesterol levels.
Detecting heart problems early can save your life. Schedule regular screenings with our team for routine:
At Nile Women’s Health Care, we work with you to create a comprehensive care plan that addresses your cardiovascular risks associated with PCOS.
If you’re concerned about your heart health or managing PCOS symptoms, we’re here to help. Call Nile Women’s Health Care to schedule an appointment.
