Polycystic Ovarian Disease, or PCOD, is often linked to irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and fertility problems. However, health experts are now warning that PCOD may also significantly increase the risk of heart disease in women, especially among young adults in their 20s and 30s. According to Dr. Ranita Saha, the connection between PCOD and cardiovascular disease is still widely overlooked, despite growing evidence showing that the hormonal and metabolic effects of PCOD can negatively impact heart health over time.

PCOD is not just a reproductive disorder. It is also a metabolic condition closely associated with insulin resistance, inflammation, and lifestyle-related cardiovascular risk factors,” she told Times Now Health.

One of the biggest concerns is insulin resistance, a condition in which the body struggles to use insulin effectively. This can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, abdominal obesity, high cholesterol, and eventually Type 2 diabetes. All of these are major risk factors for heart disease and stroke.

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Dr. Saha explains that women with PCOD are more likely to develop high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and chronic inflammation at an earlier age compared to women without the condition. Together, these factors may accelerate atherosclerosis.

“Chronic low-grade inflammation is now recognised as a key driver of atherosclerosis- the buildup of plaque in the arteries that can eventually lead to heart attacks and strokes,” she said.

Women with PCOD are more likely to develop high blood pressure, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and chronic inflammation

Hormonal imbalance also plays a major role. Women with PCOD often have higher androgen levels, commonly known as male hormones. Elevated androgen levels are associated with low-grade chronic inflammation, which experts now recognize as a silent contributor to cardiovascular disease.

Lifestyle habits can further worsen the problem. Sedentary routines, poor sleep, chronic stress, unhealthy eating patterns, and lack of physical activity are becoming increasingly common among urban women, making PCOD symptoms and heart risks more severe.

Unlike men, women frequently experience atypical symptoms of heart disease, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. For women with PCOD, this delayed recognition may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular disease at a younger age.

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