Endometriosis and cardiovascular disease risk: a meta-analysis of cohort studies.

TL;DR

Meta-analysis of 11 cohort studies (n=3.1M) found endometriosis associated with 22% increased risk of cardiovascular disease overall, with notably elevated risks for coronary artery disease (47% increase) and myocardial infarction (29% increase), but not heart failure.

Key findings

• Endometriosis associated with elevated CVD risk across myocardial infarction (HR 1.29), coronary artery disease (HR 1.47), and cerebrovascular events (HR 1.18), but not heart failure
• Significant geographic disparities identified: higher CVD risks in Asian (HR 1.36) and North American (HR 1.37) populations versus European cohorts (HR 0.93)
• Overall all-cause CVD risk increased 22% in endometriosis patients (HR 1.22; 95% CI 1.08-1.38)
• High heterogeneity noted (I2 = 94.6%), suggesting variation in study populations or methodology

Why this matters at the bedside

Findings suggest endometriosis should be considered an independent CVD risk factor, with implications for preventive cardiovascular monitoring strategies in affected populations, particularly in Asia and North America where risks appear highest.