Cardiovascular risk reduction in polycystic ovary syndrome

PCOS patients have a higher prevalence of traditional risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and insulin resistance significantly contributes to the pathogenesis of these risk factors. Although central obesity has been reported to potentiate atherosclerosis, PCOS patients have an elevated risk of CVD irrespective of body mass index. Additionally, the prevalence of the subclinical atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) is reportedly higher in PCOS patients compared with controls. Nevertheless, there are limited data on the direct association of PCOS with clinical ASCVD (myocardial infarction and stroke). Population-based studies are required to establish the direct association of PCOS with clinical CVD. Lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet, physical activity, weight reduction, and smoking cessation, reduce the CVD risk in PCOS. All patients with PCOS should be regularly screened treated for ASCVD risk factors and encouraged to have a healthy lifestyle.