Women with PCOS are nearly
twice as likely to suffer from atherosclerosis (plaque deposits
in the arteries), than women without the syndrome, according to a new study.
Atherosclerosis sharply increases the risk of coronary heart
disease and stroke.
"The implication is that a common condition thought to be
primarily a gynecological problem may predispose women to heart
disease," says Dr. Paul Hardiman a Senior
Lecturer in obstetrics and gynecology and lead author of the study by the Royal Free and University College Medical School in London.
 Coronary heart disease is the largest killer of men and women in
the United States, according to the American Heart Association.
Previous research has linked Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, one of the most
common causes of infertility with
multiple risk factors for coronary heart disease, including
Diabetes, obesity and hypertension.
Women with PCOS often have elevated levels of LDL "bad"cholesterol, high
blood pressure, obesity and of course, Insulin Resistance, which
is an underlying cause of PCOS.
Insulin Resistance increases a
person's risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes. This condition, in turn,
sharply increases the risk of heart disease. Previous research
has estimated that these factors can cause up to a seven-fold
increase in risk for heart attack for women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrom, compared
to those without it.
In the London study, there was no significant difference in age
or in total cholesterol, whether HDL "good" or LDL "bad" cholesterol,
among the groups taking part. However, compared to women with
normal ovaries, those with PCOS had significantly higher weight,
blood pressure and insulin levels.
 Numerous previous studies have found that Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome, with its symptomatic disorders
of high blood pressure (hypertension), excessive fat tissue in and around the
abdominal area, blood fat disorders (high triglycerides and low HDL), Hyperandrogenism (elevated levels of
male hormones) and Insulin Resistance - put sufferers at higher
risk of developing future serious, life-threatening health
conditions such as coronary heart disease and stroke.
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is a broad term that describes any
disorder that can impact the functioning of the heart muscle
itself or the cardiovascular system. Conditions that contribute
to heart disease include: high blood pressure, Cardiovascular Disease,
arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries caused by calcium deposits),
atherosclerosis and more.
 Chronic high levels of glucose and insulin are classic symptoms
of Insulin Resistance and PCOS.
Insulin is produced in your pancreas and released into the
circulatory system where it is the key to the absorption of
glucose by your cells. If your cells resist insulin, both
insulin and glucose build up in your blood. Excess insulin leads
to weight gain and high blood pressure - both precursors to
heart disease. As insulin comes in contact with the interior
wall of the arteries, it damages the tissue, causing the initial
injury that produces plaque. Therefore, having Insulin
Resistance and PCOS directly cause changes in the blood lipids
and overall cardiovascular health that contribute to the
formation of heart disease.
Recommendations for reducing heart disease risk are the same as
those for reducing Insulin Resistance: decreasing insulin levels, balancing cholesterol and lowering blood pressure to either better manage the symptoms of PCOS and reverse the condition completely to minimize current symptoms. This can be done through
careful food choices, exercise and weight loss in both overweight and lean
individuals as well as women of normal weight.
But a multi-faceted approach is clearly necessary
to address all the symptoms of these conditions.
A complete system, is required to address these issues. This system should include nutraceuticals (vitamins, herbs
and minerals that are disease specific), a realistic exercise
program, nutritional guidance and a support network that will
help you change unhealthy lifestyle.
Click here
to read about the scientific breakthrough called the Insulite PCOS System which helps to reverse Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome symptoms caused by Insulin Resistance. The system includes several formulations, including GlucX, which helps to reduce levels of heart-damaging triglycerides and LDL "bad" cholesterol while raising levels of HDL "good" cholesterol.
You may be interested in some of our Frequently Asked Questions
(FAQs) about PCOS and the Insulite PCOS System.
Click here to read
about PCOS and Cancer
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