PhD Candidate University of Alberta Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
Background:
Background: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD). We have shown high-risk young women aged 18-45 years with and without PCOS exhibit atherogenic dyslipidemia and increased atherosclerotic CVD (ACVD), compared to healthy-weight controls. In those with PCOS the grading of ACVD is more adverse, inclusive of carotid plaque height (CPH) and carotid intimal medial thickness (CIMT). The aim of this study was to determine the progression of blood vessel and heart disease in young women with and without PCOS.
METHODS AND RESULTS:
Methods: A cohort of age-BMI matched (BMI >25kg/m2) females aged 18-45 years with and without PCOS, and healthy-weight controls were assessed 2-3 years post-baseline. Biochemical measurements included blood lipids, apoB, remnant-cholesterol, hormones and insulin-glucose indices. 2D and 3D-echocardiography were used to measure cIMT and CPH.
Results: Fasting triglycerides and remnant-cholesterol remained 2-fold higher in those with PCOS, compared to control groups at follow-up. The progression of cIMT was 30% greater in PCOS (3.57±1.26 mm/yr) compared to non-PCOS (2.14±0.42 mm/yr) and healthy-weight controls (2.82±0.73 mm/yr). CPH (%mm/yr) increased 6-fold in those with PCOS compared to no increase in non-PCOS and healthy-weight controls at follow-up.
Conclusion:
Conclusion: High-risk young women with PCOS have exacerbated dyslipidemia and accelerated progression of ACVD compared to age-BMI matched and healthy-weight controls. Recommendations for developing early screening and tracking progression of ACVD in high-risk young women with and without PCOS is warranted in the primary prevention of premature CVD in women.
