"Unclear CV Risk Burden Of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Presents Challenges For Cardiologists" - Regina Schaffer and Darlene Dobkowski
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age that is typically associated with infertility, according to the Mayo Clinic. An estimated 6 to12 percent of U.S. women have PCOS, according to data from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention. When a woman or adolescent receives a PCOS diagnosis, experts agree that screenings are key to reducing a woman’s overall risk burden, including CV risk assessment. “It’s doing the comprehensive risk assessment as soon as they are diagnosed, including lipid profiles and assessment of glucose tolerance, particularly if they are overweight or obese,” said Andrea Dunaif, MD, chief of the Hilda and J. Lester Gabrilove division of endocrinology, diabetes and bone disease at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “More funding for appropriate research for PCOS is also needed,” Dr. Dunaif added. “The main problem is the fact that this is not a mainstream medical condition, and that is most likely due to its name, which is totally misleading. Clearly, there needs to be funding for the appropriate kind of research for this condition,” said Dr. Dunaif. Besides funding, one of the most critical components to treating women with PCOS and women in general is collecting more information on their reproductive history.
— Andrea Dunaif, MD, Chief, Hilda and J. Lester Gabrilove Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Bone Disease, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and the Mount Sinai Health System
Additional coverage: Medical Health News