The polycystic ovary syndrome: an example of obesity-related cardiovascular complication affecting young women

• Main Authors: Francesco Orio, Teresa Cascella, Francesco Giallauria, Stefano Palomba, Anna De Lorenzo, Rosa Lucci, Elena Ambrosino, Gaetano Lombardi, Annamaria Colao, Carlo Vigorito
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: PAGEPress Publications 2016-02-01
• Series: Monaldi Archives for Chest Disease
• Subjects: polycystic ovary syndrome; cardiovascular risk; insulin-resistance
• Online Access: https://www.monaldi-archives.org/index.php/macd/article/view/540

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a good example of obesity-related cardiovascular complication affecting young women. PCOS is not only considered a reproductive problem but rather represents a complex endocrine, multifaceted syndrome with important health implications. Several evidences suggest an increased cardiovascular risk of cardiovascular disease associated with this syndrome, characterized by an impairment of heart structure and function, endothelial dysfunction and lipid abnormalities. All these features, probably linked to insulin-resistance, are often present in obese PCOS patients. Cardiovascular abnormalities represent important long-term sequelae of PCOS that need further investigations.