Endometriosis May Put You at a Higher Stroke Risk

Women with endometriosis are 20% more likely to experience stroke compared with women without the condition, according to a new study.

More than 11% of American women between 15 and 44 are estimated to have endometriosis, a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus. Endometriosis is linked to several other health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, allergies, and certain cancers.

A new study presented at the European Society of Cardiology (ESC) Congress 2024 suggests that endometriosis may also raise the risk of significant cardiac outcomes.

The study included 60,508 Danish women diagnosed with endometriosis between 1977 and 2021 and 242,032 matched controls, who were, on average, 37.3 years old. They were followed for a median of 16 years and a maximum of 45 years.

The study found that women with endometriosis had a 20% increased risk of ischaemic stroke and a 35% higher risk of acute myocardial infarction compared with those without endometriosis.

Moreover, women with endometriosis also had an increased risk of arrhythmias and heart failure compared with those without endometriosis.

Scientists say endometriosis and the cardiovascular system may share common disease pathways.

Dr. Eva Havers-Borgersen, the lead author of the study and from Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark, says the findings suggest that female-specific risk factors and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women need greater attention.

“We suggest that women with endometriosis undergo CVD risk assessment, and it is now time for female-specific risk factors – such as endometriosis, but also gestational diabetes and pre-eclampsia – to be considered in cardiovascular risk prediction models. Further research is needed to confirm our findings and integrate these factors into effective risk prediction models,” Havers-Borgersen said in a statement.

How does endometriosis affect CVD risk?

Previous research suggested that the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease could potentially be explained by inflammation, increased oxidative stress, and an unfavorable lipid profile.

Medications used to manage endometriosis, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, can also contribute to cardiovascular disease.

Moreover, patients with endometriosis are more likely to have hysterectomies — the removal of the uterus — which has been shown to raise the CVD risk.

It usually takes between four to 11 years to receive a definitive endometriosis diagnosis and treatment, as it is often mistaken for conditions like pelvic inflammatory disease, ovarian cysts, or irritable bowel syndrome.

More studies are needed to determine the relationship between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease. However, early endometriosis diagnosis may improve the quality of life and potentially reduce the risk of multiple conditions.