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Polycystic Ovaries and CAD Linked in New Study
"Polycystic Ovaries and CAD Linked in New Study
Birdsall MA, Farquhar CM, White HD.
December 29, 2005
By Dan
Category: Health---Fitness
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"Polycystic Ovaries and CAD Linked in New Study Birdsall MA, Farquhar CM, White HD. Association between polycystic ovaries and extent of coronary artery disease in women having cardiac catheterization. Ann Intern Med. 1997;126:32-35. Although it is known that women with polycystic ovaries have associated risk factors for CAD, only this recent study by Birdsall and colleagues has found a direct association between the severity of CAD in women and the likelihood of their developing polycystic ovaries. The 143 women enrolled in the study were aged 60 or younger and had previously undergone coronary angiography for assessment of chest pain or valvular disease. The extent of their CAD was assessed by quantitative angiography, which was blinded, and the presence or absence of polycystic ovaries was determined by pelvic ultrasonography. In addition, insulin resistance and gonadotropin, testosterone, and serum lipid levels were measured. The study had three important findings. First, women with extensive CAD were more likely to have polycystic ovaries than women with less extensive CAD. Second, polycystic ovaries were found in 42% of both premenopausal and postmenopausal women. Third, the diagnosis of polycystic ovaries was associated with metabolic and endocrine disorders, including high testosterone and TG levels, low HDL-C levels (see Figure 2), and a trend toward insulin resistance (as indicated by higher C-peptide levels). Speculating on the reasons why polycystic ovaries occur more frequently in women with extensive CAD, the investigators cited an increased prevalence of CAD risk factors that appear to be associated with increased polycystic ovary disease. These include reduced production of estradiol, insulin resistance, abnormal lipid levels, increased testosterone, and hirsutism. The investigators also suggested that once a diagnosis of polycystic ovaries is made, lifestyle modifications may be indicated to decrease cardiovascular risk. They also recommended further research to investigate the natural history of the disease and to determine whether any current treatments, such as oral contraceptives, antiandrogens, ovulatory agents, or laparoscopic ovarian surgery, are beneficial. "
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