Aspects of Cardiometabolic Risk in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the most common endocrine disorder among women of reproductive age, exhibit an adverse cardiovascular risk profile characteristic of the cardiometabolic syndrome. These women, compared with age- and body mass index-matched women without PCOS, appear to present a higher risk of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia, and possibly a higher rate of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. However, despite the presence of cardiovascular risk factors and increased surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease, it is unclear whether they have accelerated atherosclerosis and greater mortality, the latter mainly because of a lack of endpoint studies. This article addresses, summarizes, and discusses salient data from the existing literature, including gaps and uncertainties, aspects, and mechanisms related to the spectrum of adverse cardiometabolic profile factors in women with PCOS.