Background

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common hormone disorder affecting 15% of women across the lifespan. Our data shows women with PCOS in Alberta have a 2-fold higher incidence of heart disease compared to other women. In Canada, heart disease is under-diagnosed and under-researched in women and we have very limited knowledge on the early signs of heart disease in young women. If we can detect and screen for early heart disease this will help us prevent the risk of premature heart attack and stroke in women. In our pilot study (Heart Health in Women, WHCRI Innovation grant 2020-2022) we found that obese young women with and without PCOS have early heart disease compared to healthy-weight women, and this is exacerbated in PCOS.

Aims

The aim of this project is to investigate the progression of blood vessel and heart disease, and the association with risk factors in high-risk obese and low-risk healthy-weight young women with and without PCOS. We need this research to help us understand the speed of progression and to develop strategies to prevent premature heart disease in high-risk young women with and without PCOS.

Primary Objectives

The primary objectives are;

I) To assess progression of blood vessel and heart disease in high and low-risk young women with and without PCOS. We will do a follow up assessment in participants from our Heart Health study using highly sensitive ultrasound methods that can measure early blood vessel and heart disease.

ii) To determine the risk factors that are associated with progression of blood vessel and heart disease in high and low-risk young women with and without PCOS. We will determine how risk factors, such as blood cholesterol and blood pressure are related to the progression of disease.

Outcomes

The outcomes of this project will provide vital data on early heart disease in young women, and can be used in Canadian and International guidelines for the assessment and primary prevention of premature heart disease in women.