Polycystic ovarian syndrome: the next cardiovascular dilemma in women?
All known risks for cardiovascular disease are increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, which features amenorrhea, hirsutism, and obesity. Epidemiologic studies in these patients and their families have revealed a familial predisposition not only to polycystic ovary syndrome, but also diabetes, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. The heterogeneity of phenotypes (clinically and biochemically) leads to difficulty in achieving a precise diagnosis, defining a single underlying pathogenesis, and selecting a homogeneous population for much needed prospective studies. The authors believe that while insulin resistance plays and important role in some cases of polycystic ovarian syndrome, it is the overall milieu created by the co-existence of several cardiovascular risk factors in polycystic ovarian syndrome patients which could be an important target for preventative strategies and therapy.
Srikanthan
Preethi
P
Department of Epidemiology and Preventative Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, Box 957065, 330 South Garfield Avenue, Suite 308, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Korenman
Stanley
S
Davis
Susan
S
D001778:Blood Coagulation Disorders / Q000150:complications; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000209:etiology*; D003924:Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / Q000150:complications; D004730:Endothelium, Vascular / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D018149:Glucose Intolerance / Q000150:complications; D006801:Humans; D017588:Hyperandrogenism / Q000150:complications; D006946:Hyperinsulinism / Q000150:complications; D006949:Hyperlipidemias / Q000150:complications; D006973:Hypertension / Q000150:complications; D007249:Inflammation / Q000150:complications; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D009765:Obesity / Q000150:complications; D011085:Polycystic Ovary Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D012307:Risk Factors