A groundbreaking study presented at the European Society of Cardiology’s annual meeting in London has found a potential link between endometriosis and an increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
Led by Dr. Eva Havers-Borgersen from Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, the research suggests that women with endometriosis may need to be more vigilant about their cardiovascular health.
Endometriosis is a chronic condition where uterine tissue grows outside the uterus, leading to pain, fertility issues, and other complications.
The study analyzed data from over 60,000 women with endometriosis and compared their heart health to that of over 242,000 women without the condition.
The findings revealed that women with endometriosis had a 35% higher risk of heart attacks and a 20% higher risk of ischemic strokes compared to those without the condition. Additionally, endometriosis appeared to increase the odds of heart arrhythmia by 21% and heart failure by 11%.
Dr. Havers-Borgersen emphasized the significance of these results, stating that one in three women die from cardiovascular disease, and one in ten women suffer from endometriosis. She suggested that it may be time to consider cardiovascular disease risk assessment for women with endometriosis.
The study’s findings highlight the need for greater attention to female-specific risk factors and cardiovascular disease in women. Dr. Havers-Borgersen called for endometriosis, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia to be considered in cardiovascular risk prediction models.
This research has important implications for women’s health, suggesting that endometriosis may have more severe consequences than previously thought. By understanding the potential link between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease, healthcare providers can better support women with the condition.
The study’s results will likely spark further research into the relationship between endometriosis and cardiovascular health. In the meantime, women with endometriosis are advised to discuss their individual risk factors with their healthcare providers.
As the medical community continues to explore the complexities of endometriosis, one thing is clear: women’s health deserves greater attention, and female-specific risk factors must be taken seriously.
By shedding light on the potential link between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease, this study takes a crucial step towards improving women’s health outcomes.
