Endometriosis linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Endometriosis linked to higher risk of cardiovascular disease

Systemic inflammation and high estrogen levels can contribute to increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure.

A recently published study inBMC public healthExamines the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular risk.

What is Endometriosis?

Endometriosis is characterized by the abnormal growth of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus, with pelvic organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, bladder and intestines most commonly affected. Because these tissues act like the endometrium, which is the tissue that lines the uterus, they will similarly thicken, fragment, and bleed with each menstrual cycle; Therefore, the periodic bleeding of endometriosis growth in organs outside the uterus can lead to a variety of symptoms, some of which include local inflammation, pelvic pain, congestive dysmenorrhea, excessive menstrual bleeding, and pain during habitual intercourse.

Current estimates show that approximately 176 million women around the world are living with endometriosis, representing 5-10% of women of reproductive age affected by this condition. In the United States, approximately 11% of women are currently diagnosed with endometriosis, most of whom are in their 30s and 40s. Additionally, 47% of women struggling with infertility live with endometriosis.

In addition to the debilitating symptoms caused by endometriosis, the presence of this condition also increases the risk of several chronic diseases, including hypertension, atherosclerosis, coronary heart disease (CHD), dyslipidemia, autoimmune diseases, and gynecological cancers.

Endometriosis and CVD

Endometriosis is associated with chronic systemic inflammation, oxidative stress, and high lipid levels, all of which contribute to atherosclerosis. The formation and progression of coronary artery atherososclerosis increase the risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) such as coronary artery disease (CAD), high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes; Therefore, endometriosis may be involved in the development of CVDs.

Previous studies have confirmed that endometriosis patients have an increased relative risk (RR) of developing hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, ischemic heart disease (IHD), and myocardial infarction (MI) by 14%, 25%, 40%, respectively. 52% have . Despite these observations, the positive association between endometriosis and CVDs remains unclear, which has prevented healthcare providers from adequately treating patients with endometriosis who may be at higher risk for these diseases.

To address these uncertainties, the researchers of the current study conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of cohort and case-control studies published between January 2000 and April 2023 for analysis.

Study results of CVD risk

The current review identified an increased risk of CVD and hypertension of 23% and 13%, respectively, in women with endometriosis compared to those without the condition. Importantly, these results should be interpreted cautiously as additional research is needed to confirm the observed associations and investigate the underlying mechanisms that may be involved.

Several different biological mechanisms may be involved in the increased risk of CVDs and hypertension in endometriosis patients, some of which include chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and the increased activity of estrogen. High estrogen levels can negatively impact various aspects of the cardiovascular system, including altered endothelial function, increased arterial stiffness, and the production of atherosclerotic plaques, all of which also increase the risk of CVDs.

Certain lifestyle factors such as a sedentary lifestyle, poor diet quality, drinking and smoking are involved in the development of both endometriosis and CVDs, indicating common pathologies between these two conditions.

Genetic characteristics may also be involved in the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease. For example, previous European studies have implicated several independent genetic loci as being positively associated with endometriosis and the occurrence of CVDs.

Conclusions

The current study is the first meta-analysis conducted to examine the association between endometriosis and CVD. The review results show that the presence of endometriosis increases the risk of developing both CVDs and hypertension.

These observations emphasize the importance of close monitoring of these high-risk patients and timely initiation of preventive interventions. For example, clinicians can incorporate treatments that target chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal pathways into their strategies to treat patients with endometriosis.

Recognition of endometriosis as a potential risk factor for CVD allows for early assessment and intervention of cardiovascular risk with a focus on lifestyle changes and personalized care to reduce cardiovascular risk in endometriosis patients. “

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