Arq. Bras. Cardiol. 2019; 112(4): 430-431

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Cardiovascular Diseases: Still an Open Door

Marcus Vinicius Bolivar Malachias

DOI: 10.5935/abc.20190062

This Short Editorial is referred by the Research article "Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Exhibit Reduced Baroreflex Sensitivity That May Be Associated with Increased Body Fat".

This issue of the Brazilian Archives of Cardiology (ABC Cardiol) brings the article “Women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Exhibit Reduced Baroreflex Sensitivity That May Be Associated with Increased Body Fat”, by Philbois, SV et al., which draws attention to this clinical condition that is so prevalent in our country and its many aspects related to cardiometabolism, neuroregulation and cardiovascular risk.

The Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in women of reproductive age, with an estimated prevalence of 6 to 10% in this population. According to the Rotterdam criteria, PCOS is diagnosed in the presence of at least two of the three criteria: menstrual disorders or amenorrhea with chronic lack of ovulation, clinical and/or biochemical characteristics of hyperandrogenism and the presence of polycystic ovaries on ultrasonography after exclusion of other endocrine disorders. Overall, SOP has been considered a reproductive disorder; however, it also represents a significantly increased risk for cardiometabolic disorders. The impact on reproduction is predominant during the reproductive years, while cardiometabolic alterations become more important in the later stages of a woman’s life.

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