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Cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with PCOS

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Abstract

Polycystic ovary syndrome, the most common endocrine disorder of reproductive age women, is often associated with insulin resistance and associated disorders. The frequency of type 2 diabetes, hyperlipidemia, cardiac risk markers, structural vascular disease, and clinical disease events are increased in this population of women. PCOS, however, represents a broad spectrum of clinical presentations, as defined by different criteria proposed in Europe and the United States. The role of insulin resistance and hence the risk of cardiometabolic disorders may in part be determined by the definition of PCOS used. Epidemiologic studies and clinical trials support the need to identify women with PCOS to determine their risk of cardiometabolic disorders to prevent and/or treat their serious consequences.

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Notes

  1. MBS defined as at least (3/8)of the following parameters:

    1. 1.

      first-degree relative with type II diabetes,

    2. 2.

      body mass index ≥30 kg/m2,

    3. 3.

      waist/hip ratio ≥0.88,

    4. 4.

      blood pressure ≥160/95 mm Hg or drug treatment for hypertension,

    5. 5.

      fasting serum triglyceride level ≥1.70 mmol/L,

    6. 6.

      high-density lipoprotein cholesterol value <1.20 mmol/L,

    7. 7.

      abnormal glucose metabolism, and

    8. 8.

      fasting insulin value ≥13.0 mU/L.

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Correspondence to Rhoda H. Cobin.

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Cobin, R.H. Cardiovascular and metabolic risks associated with PCOS. Intern Emerg Med 8 (Suppl 1), 61–64 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11739-013-0924-z

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