Discover the relationship between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease

Scientists evaluated 60,508 women diagnosed with endometriosis, comparing them to a group of 242,032 women without the condition.

Research conducted at the Rigshospitalet of the University of Copenhagen in Denmark highlights a significant link between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease. Published at the European Congress of Cardiology (ESC 2024) in London, the study used a large Danish database that includes health information from 1977 to 2021.

Scientists evaluated 60,508 women diagnosed with endometriosis, comparing them to a group of 242,032 women without the condition. Over the course of 16 years of follow-up, researchers analyzed several factors, such as socioeconomic status, education, and potential heart problems, such as heart attack, arrhythmia, stroke, and heart failure.

The results revealed that women with endometriosis have an approximately 20% higher risk of cardiovascular problems compared to the general population. This finding is significant considering the high prevalence of endometriosis and its impact on women’s health.

To better understand endometriosis, it is important to know how the endometrium works, the tissue that lines the inner walls of the uterus. Its main function is to accommodate the embryo after fertilization, undergoing a series of transformations during the menstrual cycle. In endometriosis, the endometrium appears in other areas of the body, such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, bladder, and even the intestines, causing severe symptoms.

What is endometriosis?

Endometriosis occurs when the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Although it primarily occurs in the ovaries and fallopian tubes, it can also be found in less common areas, such as the bladder and intestines. Even outside the uterus, this tissue follows the menstrual cycle, causing severe pain, bleeding, and difficulty with daily activities.

• Severe menstrual pain and cramps
• Excessive bleeding
• Discomfort during sexual intercourse
• Intense fatigue
• Pain during urination or bowel movements

How is endometriosis diagnosed?

Despite medical advances, the diagnosis of endometriosis still presents challenges. It is usually based on clinical symptoms and imaging tests, such as ultrasound and MRI. In more complex cases, laparoscopy is performed, a minimally invasive surgical procedure that allows direct visualization of endometrial tissue outside the uterus.

The lack of specific drugs for the treatment of endometriosis complicates the management of the disease. Typically, treatment involves:

1. Pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to control pain
2. Hormone therapy to regulate the growth of endometrial tissue
3. Surgical interventions, in the most serious cases, to remove extrauterine endometrial tissue

What is the link between endometriosis and heart disease?

During the presentation at ESC 2024, Dr. Eva Havers Borgersen explained that research suggests an association between endometriosis and heart disease. “Endometriosis-Related Inflammation and Oxidative Stress May Increase Cardiovascular Risk,” he said.

Havers-Borgersen emphasized that cardiovascular risk factors are often viewed from a male perspective. However, one in three women dies from cardiovascular disease and one in ten suffers from endometriosis. Therefore, it is crucial that women-specific health problems, such as endometriosis, are taken into account in cardiovascular risk assessments by cardiologists.

In summary, the Danish research highlights the importance of considering endometriosis not only as a gynecological condition, but also as a relevant factor in cardiovascular risk analyses. Women with endometriosis, gestational diabetes, and preeclampsia should undergo detailed cardiovascular assessments for better prevention and treatment.

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A post shared by Understanding Endometriosis | Gisely Monteiro (@foconaendometriosis)

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.