Predisposing factors in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome for Cardiovascular disease

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a heterogeneous, multifactorial, complex genetic and endocrine disorder, characterized by menstrual disturbances, clinical and biochemical manifestations of hyperandrogenism and polycystic ovaries. It is a common endocrinopathy affecting 6–10% of reproductive aged women. 28 infertile women were selected as study subjects and 25 asymptomatic healthy fertile women as control subjects in this study. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the predisposing risk factors leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD) in subjects with polycystic ovarian syndrome. Various biochemical parameters such as blood sugar, lipid profiles and hormones such as Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) were assessed in the sera of all these subjects. Decreased high density lipoprotein (HDL) and elevated levels of all other biochemical and endocrinological parameters were observed in the study subjects. Elevated level of break per cell value (b/c) in the study subjects along with the above parameters and raised body mass index (BMI) is suggestive of increased risk of CVD in PCOS. The findings imply that there is a strong evidence for increased risk of developing CVD in subjects suffering from PCOS. Lifestyle modifications by increasing physical exercise and dietary control will help in modifying the CVD risk factors in PCOS.