A recent large-scale study has uncovered a significant link between premenstrual disorders and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Researchers analyzed data from over 3 million Swedish women over two decades, revealing an 11% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease among those diagnosed with PMS or PMDD compared to their counterparts without these diagnoses.
This elevated risk was even more pronounced in younger women, with those experiencing premenstrual disorders before age 25 facing a staggering 24% increased risk of heart disease. Considering heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., this finding warrants serious attention and further investigation.
The study’s co-author, Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson, emphasizes the importance of proactive cardiovascular health, urging women to prioritize their heart health from a young age rather than waiting until later in life. The study specifically defined PMS and PMDD diagnoses as requiring moderate to severe symptoms impacting daily functioning.
The research delved into specific types of cardiovascular disease, identifying the strongest associations with heart failure, arrhythmias, and ischemic heart disease. While the study didn’t explore the underlying mechanisms, experts suggest premenstrual disorders might be indicative of other physiological issues, such as inflammation or alterations in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS), a hormonal system regulating blood pressure. These inflammatory processes could contribute to plaque buildup in heart arteries, ultimately increasing heart disease risk.
Even when accounting for other risk factors like smoking, weight, medication use, and pre-existing conditions, the association between premenstrual disorders and cardiovascular disease persisted. The study’s methodology included analyzing sister pairs to control for genetic and environmental influences.
While the study has limitations, including its reliance on clinical diagnoses and its predominantly white Swedish population, it highlights the critical need for further research into women’s cardiovascular risk factors, particularly those related to reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic conditions. This study adds to existing evidence suggesting a link between PMS/PMDD and hypertension, a condition often underdiagnosed in women. The implications of this research are significant, potentially leading to earlier diagnosis and intervention for women at risk of heart disease.
Cardiologist Dr. Nieka Goldberg underscores the study’s importance in facilitating earlier identification of at-risk individuals. She advocates for doctors to obtain comprehensive menstrual histories from their patients, including details about premenstrual disorders, to better assess cardiovascular risk. This research serves as a vital step towards improving women’s heart health by promoting earlier detection and intervention.
