Women suffering from endometriosis, a painful condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of it, face a heightened risk of heart attacks and strokes, a new study has found. Endometriosis can lead to complications such as cysts and scar tissue, often affecting nearby organs and causing pain and fertility problems.
The study, conducted by Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, was presented at the annual meeting of the European Society of Cardiology. Dr. Eva Havers-Borgersen, the lead researcher, shared that “one in three women die from cardiovascular disease and one in 10 women suffer from endometriosis.” She stressed that cardiovascular risks in women with endometriosis should be more routinely considered.
The research, based on a Danish database, followed over 60,000 women with endometriosis and compared them to more than 242,000 women without the condition, tracking their health for at least 16 years. Women with endometriosis were found to have a 35% higher risk of heart attacks, a 20% higher risk of ischemic strokes, and an increased likelihood of heart arrhythmias (21%) and heart failure (11%).
Havers-Borgersen urged healthcare providers to assess cardiovascular disease risks in women with endometriosis and called for including female-specific factors like endometriosis, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia in cardiovascular risk prediction models.
Experts suggest that the link between endometriosis and heart disease stems from inflammation. This inflammation, caused by the buildup of tissue around the reproductive organs, can spread through the body, increasing heart rate, blood pressure, and the chance of artery blockages, leading to heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.
To lower the risk of heart disease, women with endometriosis are advised to seek early diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can be beneficial, such as:
Managing chronic conditions effectively
Following a heart-healthy diet rich in plant-based proteins, whole grains, fruits, and vegetables
Engaging in regular exercise to reduce inflammation
Maintaining a healthy weight
Avoiding alcohol and tobacco