Women who are hospitalised for non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) present at younger ages when they have a previous diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), according to a study being presented at the British Cardiovascular Society’s annual conference in Manchester this week.
PCOS is a common condition that affects an estimate of 1 in 8 women worldwide, and 1 in 10 women in the UK, and has an impact on cardiovascular health, putting patients at higher risk of developing heart disease and stroke.
The study authors conducted a retrospective analysis using nationally representative data from the US National Inpatient Sample (2016-2022) to identify female patients who had been admitted for NSTEMI. The research looked at outcomes of women between the ages of 18 and 50 and divided them by PCOS diagnosis.
They found a total of 950 women with PCOS, aged 18-50, were hospitalised for NSTEMI between 2016 and 2022 – this constituted 0.9% of patients in this age bracket. The PCOS cohort was younger (mean age of 40.5 years compared to 43.6 years) than their counterpart, as well as presenting higher rates of diabetes (53.2% vs 40.1%), and obesity (67.9% vs 40%), among other comorbidities that affect the cardiovascular system.
Dr Louise Buchanan, of the British Cardiovascular Society, said: “Polycystic ovary syndrome, or the newly renamed Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), is a lifelong condition that affects more than 170 million women worldwide. Having this condition makes you more susceptible to heart disease, particularly risk of a stroke and coronary artery disease (CAD).
“This study reveals that patients with PCOS/PMOS tend to be sicker when they have a NSTEMI, a heart attack with a partial blockage of a coronary artery restricting blood flow to the heart muscle. They are also presenting in hospital younger.
“This highlights the real importance of targeted preventative interventions and closer monitoring for patients with PCOS/PMOS, such as addressing obesity and high cholesterol levels, to reduce the risk of a heart attack and prevent worse outcomes.”
What is PCOS?
PCOS is a common condition that affects 1 in 10 women in the UK, though the number is believed to be higher. More than half of these women do not have any symptoms, according to the NHS, and when they do symptoms can affect everything from frequency of periods, fertility, hair growth, weight gain, and skin issues like acne.
PCOS has recently been rebadged as polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS), to acknowledge that it is a multifaceted condition that is not solely and exclusively related to whether there are cysts on the ovaries.
The study abstract was submitted before the new name for the condition was made public.
Note to editors:
If using this study, please ensure you mention that the study was presented at the British Cardiovascular Society’s Annual Conference.
The conference will be held at Manchester Central from 1 to 3 June 2026, and is attended by UK and international cardiologists and healthcare professionals.
About the BCS
The British Cardiovascular Society is a membership association, with a pivotal role to play in the delivery of cardiovascular health across the UK, supporting and representing all those working in the fields of cardiovascular care and research. We do this through our educational activities, our key roles in the organisation of cardiology training and production of clinical guidelines, and our input into national policy.
We currently have over 3,000 members, including consultant cardiologists, resident cardiologists, nurses, GPs with a special interest in cardiology, non-clinical scientists and technicians.
For further information about the charity, visit britishcardiovascularsociety.org.uk.