Women with PMOS at four-fold higher risk of heart disease

by Lancet

edited by Lisa Lock, reviewed by Andrew Zinin

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Women with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS; also known as polycystic ovary syndrome or PCOS) face a fourfold higher risk of heart disease than women without PMOS, according to a new nationwide U.S. study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health.

Researchers collected health insurance data from 2000 to 2022 for more than 413,000 PMOS patients ages 18–50. The increased risk of heart disease in women with PMOS remained even after accounting for obesity and other heart disease risk factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, suggesting that other biological factors related to PMOS may contribute to heart disease.

The study authors say the results underscore the importance of early heart health screening for people with PMOS, along with other prevention measures, including weight management, healthy eating and regular physical activity, to help reduce risk over time.

More information

Snigdha Alur-Gupta et al, Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk in polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome: a nationwide, US, claims-based, retrospective, longitudinal, cohort study, The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology, & Women's Health (2026). DOI: 10.1016/s3050-5038(26)00090-7

Key medical concepts

Polycystic Ovary SyndromeHeart DiseasesObesityHigh Blood PressureDiabetes

Clinical categories

Obstetrics & gynecologyCardiologyWomen's healthPreventive medicineCommon illnesses & PreventionHealthy livingWeight management Provided by Lancet Who's behind this story?

Lisa Lock

BA art history, MA material culture. Former museum editor, paramedic, and transplant coordinator. Editing for Science X since 2021. Full profile →

Andrew Zinin

Master's in physics with research experience. Long-time science news enthusiast. Plays key role in Science X's editorial success. Full profile →

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