Comparative study of metabolic syndrome and cardiovascular risk in women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome
Year: 2025
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Aims: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is ssociated with an increased risk of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and cardiovascular diseases (CVD). This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MetS and cardiovascular risk factors in women with and without PCOS to better understand the broader implications of the syndrome. Methods: A total of 400 women participated: 200 with PCOS (Rotterdam criteria) and 200 age-matched controls. Data collected included body mass index (BMI), fasting glucose, lipid profiles, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers (CRP and IL-6). MetS was defined using NCEP ATP III criteria. Statistical analyses were performed to compare metabolic and cardiovascular markers between groups, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: MetS prevalence was significantly higher in the PCOS group (60%) compared to controls (30%) (p < 0.01). Insulin resistance was greater in the PCOS group, with a mean HOMA-IR of 3.2 versus 1.8 in controls (p < 0.001), and fasting glucose levels were elevated (110 mg/dL vs. 95 mg/dL, p < 0.001). Lipid profiles were more atherogenic in PCOS, with higher triglycerides (150 mg/dL vs. 100 mg/dL, p < 0.01), higher LDL cholesterol (130 mg/dL vs. 110 mg/dL, p < 0.01), and lower HDL cholesterol (40 mg/dL vs. 50 mg/dL, p < 0.05). Blood pressure was also elevated in PCOS (systolic: 135 mm Hg vs. 120 mm Hg, p < 0.05; diastolic: 85 mm Hg vs. 75 mm Hg, p < 0.05). Inflammatory markers were significantly higher in PCOS, including CRP (4.2 mg/L vs. 2.1 mg/L) and IL-6 (6.0 pg/mL vs. 3.0 pg/mL) (both p < 0.01). Conclusion: Metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors are significantly more prevalent in women with PCOS. Early intervention, including management of insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and inflammation, is crucial to reducing cardiovascular morbidity and long-term health risks in this population.
DOI: 10.51271/jcogp-0050
Authors: Nurgül Ulusoy, Mehmet Ağar, Halime Çalı Öztürk
Language: English
Subfield: Reproductive Medicine
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4412371691