Metabolic & Cardiometabolic
PCOS increases cardiovascular disease
Part of: • PCOS
📅 Last reviewed: 2026-07-15 ⓘ
Evidence ladder
How far up the ladder this claim has climbed. A high consensus on a low rung means "consistent so far," not "proven in people."
Top evidence so far: All trials, pooled (Meta-analysis)
How the studies fall
What the evidence shows
PCOS increases cardiovascular disease and subclinical-atherosclerosis risk.
The evidence (5)
| Source | Grade | Stance | Quality | Finding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nhs2-cvd-2023 2023 | observational | mixed | moderate | NHS II cohort (n=103,729): ovulatory-disorder infertility -> CHD HR 1.28 (1.05-1.55), but stroke NOT increased (HR 0.91). CHD yes, stroke null. |
| nfbc-cvd-2023 2023 | observational | supports | moderate | NFBC1966 prospective cohort: PCOS women had increased CVD events regardless of diagnostic criteria; persisted after adjustment. |
| Pourahmad B et al] # corrected 2026-08-17 from PubMed; was [et al. 2025 · BMC Womens Health | meta-analysis | supports | moderate | PCOS associated with elevated hypertension, stroke, and CVD risk. |
| Sun D et al] # corrected 2026-08-17 from PubMed; was [et al. 2022 · Angiology | meta-analysis | supports | high | cIMT SMD +0.587 (0.398–0.776); ↓FMD, ↑PWV, ↑CAC. Subclinical atherosclerosis. |
| Wan Z, Zhao J, Ye Y, et al. 2024 · Eur J Prev Cardiol | meta-analysis | supports | high | Meta-analysis across 5 databases: CVD risk raised in PCOS - pooled RR 1.51 (95% CI 1.36-1.69); ages 10-54 RR 1.37 (1.17-1.59). Also models global PCOS-attributable CVD burden (GBD 2019). |
Disagree, or know a study we missed?
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Educational only, not medical advice. Grades and scores reflect published evidence weighted by study design and quality; see the methodology.