---
title: "PCOS and Long-Term Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischaemic Stroke"
id: "pubmed-40882992"
canonical_url: "https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/pubmed-40882992"
content_type: "clinical_feed_article"
specialty: "Cardiology"
source_name: "PubMed / NCBI"
source_url: "https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/"
doi: "10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351"
published_at: "2026-09-22T00:00:00.000Z"
evidence_level: "Journal Article"
license: "CC-BY-NC-4.0 / Informational Use"
---
# PCOS and Long-Term Risk of Acute Myocardial Infarction and Ischaemic Stroke
## Provenance & Clinical Metadata
- **Canonical URL:** https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/pubmed-40882992
- **Specialty:** [Cardiology](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/cardiology.md)
- **Primary Source:** PubMed / NCBI
- **Source URL:** [Original Journal Publication](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/)
- **DOI:** [10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351](https://doi.org/10.1093%2Feurjpc%2Fzwaf351)
- **Published At:** 2026-09-22T00:00:00.000Z
- **Evidence Rating:** Journal Article
## Executive GIST (TL;DR)
- Aim: To determine whether **polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)** is associated with long-term risk of atherosclerotic events, specifically **acute myocardial infarction** and **ischaemic stroke**. - Study design: Nationwide, registry-based cohort study in Denmark identifying women with PCOS (1995–2024) and matching them 1:4 by age and calendar year to female population controls. - Cohort size and demographics: 25,513 women with PCOS and 102,052 matched controls; median age at index 29.9 years. - Baseline risks: Women with PCOS had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors than controls (specific risk-factor prevalence details were reported in the source but not enumerated in the abstract). - Absolute 25-year cumulative incidence: Composite outcome (acute myocardial infarction or ischaemic stroke) 3.4% (95% CI 2.8–4.2%) in PCOS vs 2.0% (95% CI 1.8–2.3%) in controls. - Relative risks (Cox models): Unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) for composite outcome 1.82 (95% CI 1.56–2.11); adjusted HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.30–1.81). - Component outcomes: Acute myocardial infarction unadjusted HR 1.86 (95% CI 1.45–2.39), adjusted HR 1.58 (95% CI 1.21–2.07). Ischaemic stroke unadjusted HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.52–2.22), adjusted HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.27–1.91). - Medication and subgroup analyses: The observed associations did not differ by use of oral contraception, metformin, anti-androgens, spironolactone, or GLP-1 analogues. - Conclusion and implication: Women with **PCOS** have a more than 50% higher associated long-term risk of **acute myocardial infarction** and **ischaemic stroke** compared with matched controls, though absolute risks remain low; findings support early cardiovascular risk assessment and preventive strategies in this population. - Reporting limits: The abstract provides core results and some baseline statements; additional details on covariates, adjustment variables, and study limitations are not presented in the provided source abstract.
## Clinical Analysis & Structured Key Points
Clipboard, Search History, and several other advanced features are temporarily unavailable. [ Skip to main page content ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#article-details) ![U.S. flag](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/coreutils/uswds/img/favicons/favicon-57.png) An official website of the United States government Here's how you know ![Dot gov](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/coreutils/uswds/img/icon-dot-gov.svg) **The .gov means it’s official.** Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site. ![Https](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/coreutils/uswds/img/icon-https.svg) **The site is secure.** The **https://** ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely. [ ![NIH NLM Logo](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/coreutils/nwds/img/logos/AgencyLogo.svg) ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) [Log in](https://account.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F40882992%2F) Show account info Close #### Account Logged in as: **username** * [Dashboard](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/) * [Publications](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/collections/bibliography/) * [Account settings](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/account/settings/) * [Log out](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/account/signout/?back_url=https%3A//pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) [Access keys](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/guide/browsers/#ncbi_accesskeys) [NCBI Homepage](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov) [MyNCBI Homepage](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/myncbi/) [Main Content](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#maincontent) [Main Navigation](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) [ ![pubmed logo](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/c24ab723-7c80-48cd-9c68-022ded852586/core/images/pubmed-logo-blue.svg) ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/) [ ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/ "Show search bar") Search: [](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/ "Clear search input")Search [Advanced](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/advanced/) [ Clipboard ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/clipboard/) [ User Guide ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/help/) Save Email Send to * [ Clipboard ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) * [My Bibliography](https://account.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F40882992%2F%23open-bibliography-panel) * [Collections](https://account.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?back_url=https%3A%2F%2Fpubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov%2F40882992%2F%23open-collections-panel) * [Citation manager](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) Display options Display options Format Abstract PubMed PMID ## Save citation to file Format: Summary (text) PubMed PMID Abstract (text) CSV Create file Cancel ## Email citation Email address has not been verified. Go to [ My NCBI account settings ](https://account.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/settings/) to confirm your email and then refresh this page. To: Subject: Body: Format: Summary Summary (text) Abstract Abstract (text) MeSH and other data Send email Cancel ### Add to Collections * Create a new collection * Add to an existing collection Name your collection: Name must be less than 100 characters Choose a collection: Unable to load your collection due to an error [Please try again](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) Add Cancel ### Add to My Bibliography * My Bibliography Unable to load your delegates due to an error [Please try again](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) Add Cancel ## Your saved search Name of saved search: Search terms: [Test search terms](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) Would you like email updates of new search results? Saved Search Alert Radio Buttons * Yes * No Email: ([change](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/account/settings/)) Frequency: Monthly Weekly Daily Which day? The first Sunday The first Monday The first Tuesday The first Wednesday The first Thursday The first Friday The first Saturday The first day The first weekday Which day? Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Report format: Summary Summary (text) Abstract Abstract (text) PubMed Send at most: 1 item 5 items 10 items 20 items 50 items 100 items 200 items Send even when there aren't any new results Optional text in email: Save Cancel ## Create a file for external citation management software Create file Cancel ## Your RSS Feed Name of RSS Feed: Number of items displayed: 5 10 15 20 50 100 Create RSS Cancel RSS Link Copy ### Full text links [![Silverchair Information Systems full text link](https://cdn.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/corehtml/query/egifs/https:--academic.oup.com-images-oup_pubmed_free.png) Silverchair Information Systems ](https://academic.oup.com/eurjpc/article-lookup/doi/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351 "See full text options at Silverchair Information Systems") [ Full text links ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) ### Actions Cite Collections Add to Collections * Create a new collection * Add to an existing collection Name your collection: Name must be less than 100 characters Choose a collection: Unable to load your collection due to an error [Please try again](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) Add Cancel Permalink Permalink Copy Display options Display options Format Abstract PubMed PMID ### Page navigation * [ Title & authors ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#heading) * [ Abstract ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#abstract) * [ Plain language summary ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#plain-language-summary) * [ Conflict of interest statement ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#conflict-of-interest) * [ Comment in ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#linked-commentary) * [Similar articles](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#similar) * [Cited by](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#citedby) * [ MeSH terms ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#mesh-terms) * [Related information](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#related-links) * [ LinkOut - more resources ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#linkout) Title & authors Abstract Plain language summary Conflict of interest statement Comment in Similar articles Cited by MeSH terms Related information LinkOut - more resources Eur J Prev Cardiol Actions * [ Search in PubMed ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Eur+J+Prev+Cardiol%22%5Bjour%5D&sort=date&sort_order=desc) * [ Search in NLM Catalog ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog?term=%22Eur+J+Prev+Cardiol%22%5BTitle+Abbreviation%5D) * [ Add to Search ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) . 2026 Sep 22;33(13):2444-2451. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351. # Polycystic ovarian syndrome and long-term risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke [Eva Havers-Borgersen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Havers-Borgersen+E&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 2 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-2 "Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark."), [Charlotte Ekelund](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ekelund+C&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 3 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-3 "Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Pernille Fog Svendsen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Svendsen+PF&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 5 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-5 "Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark."), [Marie S Reinert](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Reinert+MS&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Helene Vistisen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Vistisen+H&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Jawad H Butt](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Butt+JH&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 2 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-2 "Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark."), [Lauge Østergaard](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%C3%98stergaard+L&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Morten Schou](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Schou+M&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 6 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-6 "Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark."), [Lars Køber](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=K%C3%B8ber+L&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Emil L Fosbøl](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Fosb%C3%B8l+EL&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#full-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.") Affiliations Expand ### Affiliations * 1 Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 2 Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. * 3 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 5 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark. * 6 Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark. * PMID: **40882992** * DOI: [ 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351 ](https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351) Free article Item in Clipboard # Polycystic ovarian syndrome and long-term risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke Eva Havers-Borgersen et al. Eur J Prev Cardiol. 2026. Free article Show details Display options Display options Format Abstract PubMed PMID Eur J Prev Cardiol Actions * [ Search in PubMed ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%22Eur+J+Prev+Cardiol%22%5Bjour%5D&sort=date&sort_order=desc) * [ Search in NLM Catalog ](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/nlmcatalog?term=%22Eur+J+Prev+Cardiol%22%5BTitle+Abbreviation%5D) * [ Add to Search ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/) . 2026 Sep 22;33(13):2444-2451. doi: 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351. ### Authors [Eva Havers-Borgersen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Havers-Borgersen+E&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 2 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-2 "Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark."), [Charlotte Ekelund](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Ekelund+C&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 3 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-3 "Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Pernille Fog Svendsen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Svendsen+PF&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 5 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-5 "Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark."), [Marie S Reinert](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Reinert+MS&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Helene Vistisen](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Vistisen+H&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Jawad H Butt](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Butt+JH&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 2 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-2 "Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark."), [Lauge Østergaard](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=%C3%98stergaard+L&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Morten Schou](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Schou+M&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 6 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-6 "Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark."), [Lars Køber](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=K%C3%B8ber+L&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark."), [Emil L Fosbøl](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Fosb%C3%B8l+EL&cauthor_id=40882992)[ 1 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-1 "Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.")[ 4 ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40882992/#short-view-affiliation-4 "Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.") ### Affiliations * 1 Department of Cardiology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Blegdamsvej 9, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 2 Department of Cardiology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. * 3 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 4 Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark. * 5 Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark. * 6 Department of Cardiology, Herlev & Gentofte Hospital, 2730 Herlev, Denmark. * PMID: **40882992** * DOI: [ 10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351 ](https://doi.org/10.1093/eurjpc/zwaf351) Item in Clipboard Full text links Cite Display options Display options Format Abstract PubMed PMID ## Abstract **Aims:** Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects 5-20% of reproductive-aged women and is linked to cardiovascular risk factors and atherosclerosis. Yet, its long-term association with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease remains uncertain and will be the focus of this study. **Methods and results:** Women diagnosed with PCOS (1995-2024) were identified through Danish nationwide registries and matched 1:4 with female controls from the background population by age and year of index. The primary outcome was a composite of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke, with the individual components serving as secondary outcomes. The study included 25 513 women with PCOS and 102 052 matched controls (median age 29.9 years). Women with PCOS had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors compared with controls. The 25-year cumulative incidence of the composite outcome was higher in women with PCOS [3.4% (95% confidence interval (CI) 2.8-4.2%)] compared with controls [2.0% (95% CI 1.8-2.3%)]. In Cox regression analyses, PCOS was associated with an increased risk of the composite outcome [unadjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.82 (95% CI 1.56-2.11), adjusted HR 1.53 (95% CI 1.30-1.81)], acute myocardial infarction [unadjusted HR 1.86 (95% CI 1.45-2.39), adjusted HR 1.58 (95% CI 1.21-2.07)], and ischaemic stroke [unadjusted HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.52-2.22), adjusted HR 1.56 (95% CI 1.27-1.91)]. The associations did not vary by use of oral contraception, metformin, anti-androgens, spironolactone, or glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 analogues. **Conclusion:** Women with PCOS were at increased associated risk of acute myocardial infarction and ischaemic stroke compared with controls. While absolute risks were low, these findings highlight the potential benefits of early cardiovascular risk assessment and preventive strategies in this population. **Keywords:** Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease; Epidemiology; Female-specific risk factors; PCOS; Polycystic ovary syndrome. ## Plain language summary Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) have a higher long-term associated risk of heart attack and stroke compared with those without the condition.Women with PCOS have a more than 50% higher associated risk of developing severe heart-related conditions, including heart attacks and strokes, over 25 years compared with those without PCOS.While the absolute risk remains low, these findings highlight the importance of early cardiovascular risk screening and prevention for women with PCOS. © The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. For commercial re-use, please contact reprints@oup.com for reprints and translation rights for reprints. All other permissions can be obtained through our RightsLink service via the Permissions link on the article page on our site—for further information please contact journals.permissions@oup.com. [PubMed Disclaimer](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/disclaimer/) ## Conflict of interest statement Conflict of interest: L.K. has received speaker honorariums from Astra Zeneca, Boehringer, Novartis, and Novo. None of the other authors has any declarations to make. ## Comment in * [ Atherosclerosis risk in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome: it's not just the comorbidities. ](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41406125/) Bate KA, Figtree GA. Bate
## Related Clinical Research

- [TAVI outcomes in tricuspid, bicuspid and bioprosthetic aortic valves: COMPARE-TAVI 1 observations](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/pubmed-42757819.md) (DOI: 10.1080/14017431.2026.2704938)
- [Dyslipidemia care in Japan before and after the 2024 fee revision: nationwide claims analysis](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/plos-one-19-real-world-patterns-of-dyslipidemia-care-before-and-after-a-national-fee.md)
- [Rotating Night Shift Work and Cardiovascular Disease and Mortality Risk by Chronotype in Nurses' H](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/medrxiv-9-rotating-night-shift-work-and-risk-of-incident-cardiovascular-disease-and.md)
- [Registry vs Adjudicated Cardiovascular Events in BETAMI‑DANBLOCK: Validation of National Registry](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/pubmed-41934630.md) (DOI: 10.1093/ehjqcco/qcag055)
- [Low-dose colchicine and coronary microcalcification after CABG in diffuse CAD: COL-CABG trial prot](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/bmj-open-9-influence-of-low-dose-colchicine-on-coronary-microcalcification-activity-in.md)

## Navigation
- [← Back to Cardiology Feed](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed/cardiology.md)
- [← All Clinical Specialties](https://medichelpline.com/clinical-feed.md)
## Medical & Regulatory Disclaimer

> [!CAUTION]
> MedicHelpline content is structured for research, educational, and professional discovery purposes. It does not constitute individual medical advice, clinical diagnosis, or treatment recommendations.
> Always verify dosing, contraindications, and regulatory alerts against official product labeling and primary regulatory sources before clinical decision-making.