A new U.S. study finds that females with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) face a higher risk of heart and artery disease.

A study published in The Lancet Obstetrics, Gynaecology & Women’s Health found that females with polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS) are about four times more likely to develop heart or artery disease than those without the condition. Researchers from the University of Rochester and the University of Pennsylvania conducted the analysis, which is described as the largest U.S. study of the link between PMOS and cardiovascular health.

Study Findings and Methodology

Researchers followed 413,450 females diagnosed with PMOS and compared them against health insurance data from over 2 million females without the condition. Participants had an average age of 31 at the start of the study. Over a 10-year period, approximately 12% of the PMOS group developed heart or artery disease, compared to about 4% in the comparison group. This elevated risk persisted even after researchers accounted for diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

Renaming and Clinical Implications

The condition, formerly known as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), was renamed to PMOS earlier this year. Senior author Dr. Anuja Dokras stated that the term "polycystic" was inaccurate because the condition involves follicles rather than cysts. Experts suggest that a PMOS diagnosis should serve as an opportunity for earlier cardiovascular screening and prevention, as standard risk calculators may understate risks for younger patients.