Heart disease in women: Women with THIS common hormonal condition are at higher risk, new study finds - The Times of India

What the report says

The Times of India reported that a new study links polycystic ovary syndrome, also referred to in the article as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, with a significantly higher risk of cardiovascular disease in women. The report, published July 25, 2026, frames the finding against broader concern about heart disease in women, noting World Heart Federation data cited by TOI that women are more likely than men to die after a heart attack.

According to TOI, the study examined health records for more than 413,000 women aged 18 to 50 diagnosed with PCOS/PMOS and compared them with records for more than 2 million women without the condition. The article says women with the syndrome had about four times the risk of cardiovascular disease, even after accounting for diabetes and high blood pressure.

TOI describes PCOS as a common hormonal disorder affecting roughly one in eight women of reproductive age. Symptoms can include irregular or absent periods, acne, excess hair growth, weight gain, scalp hair thinning, fertility problems and, in some cases, ovarian cysts. The report says the newer PMOS label is being used by some experts to better reflect the condition’s wider hormonal and metabolic features.

The article says possible pathways to higher heart risk include insulin resistance, inflammation, obesity, abnormal cholesterol, high blood pressure and metabolic syndrome. It also highlights the importance of early diagnosis and regular monitoring beyond fertility concerns, including checks for blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar. TOI notes that lifestyle steps such as maintaining a healthy weight, exercising, not smoking and following medical advice may help reduce long-term risk.