Introduction to Premenstrual Disorders and Heart Disease
Premenstrual disorders are associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, a large, long-term study has found. New research analyzing patient health data from more than 3 million women in Sweden over a 20-year period found that those who were diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) had an 11% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease at some point, compared to women who did not have a diagnosis.
Understanding the Risks
Younger women who experienced a premenstrual disorder before age 25 had an even stronger risk of developing heart disease, 24%. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in women in the U.S. “It’s another reminder of taking care of your cardiovascular health when you’re young and not waiting until you’re in your 50s or later,” Elizabeth Bertone-Johnson said, study co-author and professor of epidemiology at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst.
Diagnosing Premenstrual Disorders
In order to be diagnosed with PMS or the more intense PMDD, symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, cramping, and food cravings need to be “bad enough” to be rated as “moderate” or “severe,” or have a significant impact on a patient’s ability to function, Bertone-Johnson said.
Subtypes of Cardiovascular Disease
The researchers analyzed subtypes of cardiovascular disease, including heart failure, arrhythmias, and irregular heartbeat. An arrhythmia occurs when the heart’s electrical signals misfire, making the heart beat too quickly or too slowly. Arrhythmias and ischemic heart disease, damage caused by plaque which has built up in the coronary arteries, showed the strongest associations with PMS and PMDD.
Underlying Physiological Conditions
Although the research did not study the possible reasons behind the link, Bertone-Johnson and other experts believe that premenstrual disorders might indicate other underlying physiological conditions. “Eventually it will show up as cardiovascular disease, but before that, it shows up in premenstrual symptoms,” Bertone-Johnson said. These conditions can include inflammation and alteration of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system — a hormonal system that regulates blood pressure, Dr. Nieka Goldberg, a cardiologist who specializes in women’s health at NYU Langone, said.
Increased Risk of Heart Disease
Even accounting for other cardiovascular risk factors such as smoking, weight, medication usage, and some pre-existing conditions, women who had been diagnosed with a premenstrual disorder were more likely to develop heart problems. Researchers in Sweden also analyzed pairs of sisters as a way of accounting for genetic and environmental factors.
Limitations of the Research
There are limitations to the research. Bertone-Johnson said they looked only at women who had a clinical diagnosis of a premenstrual disorder and, because the population was based in Sweden, the patients were likely mostly white. Dr. Priya Jaisinghani, an endocrinologist at NYU Langone, thinks there should be more focus on women’s risk factors for heart disease, which can include reproductive, hormonal, and metabolic conditions.
Implications of the Study
This study as well as others suggest a link between PMS and/or PMDD and hypertension, or high blood pressure. Still, high blood pressure is often underdiagnosed in women, according to the Office of Women’s Health. Goldberg said that one of the most important implications of this study is how it may pave the way for diagnosis of cardiovascular disease in younger patients. “This is a great step to early identification of women at risk for heart disease earlier in life,” she said. “Although the mechanism for heart disease risk in premenstrual disorders will need further study, it is important for doctors to get a complete menstrual history, including the presence of PMD in their patients.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, premenstrual disorders are associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The study found that women who were diagnosed with PMS or PMDD had an 11% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, and younger women who experienced a premenstrual disorder before age 25 had an even stronger risk of developing heart disease. It is essential for women to take care of their cardiovascular health from a young age and for doctors to consider premenstrual disorders as a potential risk factor for heart disease.
FAQs
Q: What is the link between premenstrual disorders and heart disease?
A: Premenstrual disorders are associated with a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, with an 11% higher risk found in women diagnosed with PMS or PMDD.
Q: What are the symptoms of premenstrual disorders?
A: Symptoms of premenstrual disorders include mood swings, fatigue, cramping, and food cravings, which need to be rated as “moderate” or “severe” to be diagnosed.
Q: What is the importance of early identification of women at risk for heart disease?
A: Early identification of women at risk for heart disease is crucial, as it can lead to early intervention and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Q: What should doctors consider when diagnosing cardiovascular disease in women?
A: Doctors should consider premenstrual disorders as a potential risk factor for heart disease and get a complete menstrual history, including the presence of PMD in their patients.
