The monthly symptom of millions of women suffers is associated with a huge increase in the risk of myocardial infarction and stroke – while the number of cases increases among young people.
Millions of women suffering from a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) are exposed to a much higher risk of stroke, a recent study shows. About one third of women can undergo a severe form that may require treatment, according to Dailymail.
Swedish researchers have found that women diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome have a higher risk of suffering from cardiovascular disease. By breaking down cardiovascular disease according to specific health problems, the team found that these women had a 27% higher risk of suffering a stroke and 31% of developing cardiac arrhythmia.
An arrhythmia is a potentially serious problem related to how the heart beats – either too slowly, or inconsistently – which can contribute to the appearance of heart attacks.
In the study, experts at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm examined 22 years of health data of less than 100,000 women, who have been diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome. They compared the results of heart health, such as stroke and arrhythmia diagnoses, with the general population rates, as well as with the sisters of women who had not been diagnosed with premenstrual syndrome.
Yihui Yang expert in environmental medicine and the first author of the study said that the risk of these cardiovascular issues was particularly high for certain groups of women.
“The increased risk was particularly clear in women who have been diagnosed before the age of 25 and those who suffered by postnatal depression, a condition that can also be caused by hormonal fluctuations,” she said.
The connection between premenstrual syndrome and cardiovascular problems
Scientists have stated that it is not clear how premenstrual syndrome causes an increased risk of cardiovascular problems.
They suggested that increased hormonal fluctuations experienced patients with premenstrual syndrome could disrupt other biological systems that control aspects such as blood pressure, increase inflammation or transformation into energy, as potential factors. However, the team added that this is an area that requires further research.
Estimations on the number of women suffering from clinically significant premenstrual syndrome – that is, that requires treatment – varies, as different criteria can be used.
Some studies estimate the prevalence at one in 20, while others estimate it at 30 %, which is about three.
Doctors argue that if premenstrual syndrome causes problems that affect the physical, psychological, social and economic well -being of a woman, then this justifies a diagnosis and, subsequently, support and treatment.
However, British experts estimate that only one in four to one in two women with clinically significant premenstrual syndrome are actually seeking help from doctors.
Symptoms of premenstrual syndrome include mood, depression, irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, bloating and cramps, headaches, breast sensitivity, stains, oily hair and appetite changes.
Some women are experiencing more of these symptoms than others, and their quantity and severity can change throughout a woman’s life.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder has many physical symptoms, such as pain, nausea and fatigue, as well as mental health problems, such as mood changes, relational problems and even suicidal thoughts.
