Do women with polycystic ovary syndrome have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease? Review of the evidence.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a reproductive endocrine disorder found in ~5% of the general population and is characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, and insulin resistance. Women with PCOS are at increased risk for the development of Type II diabetes and may represent a unique group of women at high risk for the development of coronary heart disease (CHD). More adverse CHD risk profiles of women with PCOS have been demonstrated in several studies, yet actual health outcome studies have been inconclusive as to whether this translates into increased rates of cardiovascular disease in PCOS cases when compared to controls. This review focuses on the controversy surrounding the potential relationship between cardiovascular disease outcomes and polycystic ovary syndrome.