Infertility and Heart Disease: A New Warning Sign for Women’s Health
Women with infertility should get screened better for other conditions
A new meta-analysis presented at the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE) conference links female infertility to increased long-term cardiovascular risk. Researchers examined data from 21 studies involving over 3.5 million women and found that those with infertility had a 17% higher risk of heart disease, a 16% higher risk of stroke, and a 14% higher risk of vascular conditions overall. The risk was especially pronounced among women under 40 and those who underwent fertility treatment. While these findings are preliminary, they suggest that infertility may be more than a reproductive issue—it could be a red flag for future heart health.
As a perinatologist and ethicist, I believe this research should shift how we counsel and monitor women with infertility. Too often, the focus is narrowly placed on conception outcomes, without appreciating the broader health implications. The possibility that infertility represents a systemic early-life marker for cardiovascular vulnerability deserves serious attention from both obstetricians and internists. Clinicians should begin thinking of infertility not just as a hurdle to pregnancy, but as a signal requiring longer-term surveillance and support.
For women with a history of infertility, consider screening or monitoring for:
Blood pressure abnormalities
Lipid profile and metabolic syndrome
Glucose intolerance or early diabetes
Inflammatory markers (e.g., CRP)
Coronary artery disease risk factors
Long-term follow-up after fertility treatments
We must ensure these patients are not lost to follow-up once reproductive goals are addressed.
#infertility #pregnancy #heartdisease