Title : PCOS : A Pre Heart Failure State
Abstract:
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) or Stein-Leventhal Syndrome is the most frequent endocrine illness, with systemic metabolic symptoms and neuroendocrine-immunity disruption commonly affecting 5%–10% of reproductive-age women described by two of the following three characteristics: oligoovulation or anovulation, clinical and/or biochemical evidence of hyperandrogenism, or polycystic ovaries when all other endocrinological and gynecological problems have been ruled out. Insulin resistance and low-grade inflammation are part of the pathogenesis of PCOS, and women with PCOS are more prone to develop metabolic syndrome. PCOS women are more likely to be overweight or obese, diabetic, or have high blood pressure, all of which are risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Women with PCOS show lower HDL levels, higher LDL/HDL ratios, and greater triglyceride levels than women with healthy ovaries. We link these lipid abnormalities to insulin resistance, which results in the onset of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as myocardial infarction (MI). The relationship between PCOS and risk of cardiovascular risk (MI & CVA) has been well established. Here, we try to establish PCOS as a Pre Heart-Failure state (a condition which may progress to Heart Failure). Because of a lipid/glucose altered metabolism, hypertension, hypothyroidism, systemic inflammatory condition (assessable by markers such as VES, TNF-alpha, cytokines, and C-reactive protein/hsCRP levels), and vascular injuries, PCOS patients are prone to develop Heart Failure later on in life. A retrospective questionnaire was prepared for females diagnosed with Heart Failure. 39 out of 200 (19.5%) female patients recalled being diagnosed with PCOS in their reproductive years. At present, MI and chronic Hypertension are considered the 2 most important risk factors for Heart Failure. However, this research shows that PCOS is also a very important risk factor in developing Heart Failure later in life. Further research needs to be done to assess if adding any medications is useful in preventing Heart Failure in patients suffering from PCOS. Also, the degree of PCOS could not be correlated to the severity of Heart Failure through this questionnaire; a trial needs to be conducted separately for that. What will the audience learn from your presentation? This presentation gives the audience a new perspective on how PCOS can affect the patient in the long term, specifically the chances of PCOS patients developing Heart Failure later on in life. Healthcare practitioners and other faculty can use this study in giving better patient care. This presentation can also help in creating awareness of what further research needs to be done to improve outcomes of PCOS patients. Apart from this, this presentation introduces the concept of Pre Heart Failure - a state which if not managed properly will lead to Heart Failure in future.
