Cardiovascular consequences of polycystic ovary syndrome.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a syndrome of hyperandrogenism and anovulation with numerous associated derangements, is typified by a substantially increased incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus and coronary disease in mid-adult life. A marker of the disorder, and a potential determinant of the macroangiopathy, is insulin resistance. Thus, in addition to altered lipid metabolism, hypertension, hormonal derangements, obesity, and altered coagulation--all of which may contribute to the development of vascular disease--the insulin resistance and dysinsulinemia may underlie impaired fibrinolysis and related derangements within the vessel walls that may be modifiable by attenuation of insulin resistance and amelioration of hyperinsulinemia.
Amowitz
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LL
Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
Sobel
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BE
D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications*; D012307:Risk Factors; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology