PMOS Linked to Fourfold Increase in Heart Attack and Stroke Risk
- PMOS, previously known as PCOS, is linked to a fourfold increase in cardiovascular disease risk.
- The Lancet study analyzed data from thousands of women over several years.
- Researchers urge earlier diagnosis and targeted heart health monitoring for affected women.
New Study Links PMOS to Significantly Higher Heart Risks
A major study published in The Lancet has found that women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome—now referred to as PMOS (Polycystic Ovary/Metabolic Syndrome)—face up to four times the risk of developing serious cardiovascular conditions, including heart attacks and strokes.
Researchers analysed health data spanning several years, tracking thousands of women with the condition. The results show a clear and alarming pattern: those with PMOS are far more likely to develop atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease compared to women without the syndrome.
Why the Name Changed from PCOS to PMOS
The condition long known as PCOS was recently renamed PMOS to better reflect its metabolic components. Doctors say the old name focused too heavily on ovarian cysts and overlooked the broader metabolic dysfunction that drives the syndrome.
The rebranding aims to shift medical attention toward the systemic risks—especially heart health. Experts argue that the name change could help both patients and physicians take the condition more seriously as a lifelong metabolic disorder, rather than just a reproductive issue.
Delayed Diagnosis Remains a Major Concern
Many women with PMOS go undiagnosed for years. One patient told NT News that it took five years to get a proper diagnosis for the painful condition. Such delays mean women miss early opportunities for intervention.
Doctors point out that early detection is critical. By the time many women are diagnosed, metabolic damage—including insulin resistance and inflammation—has already progressed, raising their long-term cardiovascular risk.
What the Study Means for Women's Health
The Lancet findings add weight to growing calls for routine cardiovascular screening in women diagnosed with PMOS. Currently, heart health monitoring is not always prioritised in standard PMOS care.
Researchers involved in the study recommend that women with PMOS undergo regular checks for blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar levels. Lifestyle changes, including diet and exercise, remain the first line of defence against the elevated heart risks.
The study also highlights the need for more research into how PMOS affects heart health across different age groups and ethnicities. Indian women, who have a high prevalence of both PMOS and cardiovascular disease, may be particularly vulnerable.
Health officials have not yet issued new clinical guidelines based on the study, but many expect updates in the coming months. For now, women with PMOS are advised to discuss their heart health with their doctors.