By Dr. Alexandre Silva e Silva
Endometriosis, a condition that affects around 176 million women worldwide, including more than 7 million in Brazil, is known as one of the main causes of female infertility. According to data from the WHO and the Brazilian Endometriosis Association, around 30% of endometriosis cases lead to infertility. However, a new study reveals that the impacts of the disease can go beyond reproductive health, posing risks to the heart and blood vessels.
Increased Cardiovascular Risk
Presented at the European Congress of Cardiology (ESC 2024) in London, the study conducted at the Rigshospitalet Hospital, at the University of Copenhagen, investigated more than 60,000 women with endometriosis, comparing them to a control group of more than 240,000 women without the condition. The research, which lasted for 16 years, analyzed factors such as socioeconomic history and incidence of cardiovascular problems, including heart attack and stroke.
The results indicated that women with endometriosis are almost 20% more likely to develop heart and vascular diseases than those without the condition.
What is Endometriosis?
Endometriosis is a chronic condition in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus (endometrium) grows outside of the uterus, affecting organs such as the ovaries, fallopian tubes, and other areas of the pelvic region. This abnormal growth can cause painful symptoms and other health problems.
Common Symptoms of Endometriosis:
- Difficulty getting pregnant;
- Severe pain during menstruation;
- Irregular menstrual bleeding;
- Persistent pelvic pain;
- Pain during sexual intercourse;
- Fatigue.
Treatments for Endometriosis
Although there is no cure for endometriosis, there are treatments that can be adjusted according to the case and severity. These include everything from pain medication to hormone therapy, which aims to reduce the growth of endometrial tissue. In severe cases, surgical removal of the lesions may be necessary, and in specific situations, removal of part of the intestine or bladder may be indicated.
For some patients, hysterectomy (removal of the uterus) may be considered, especially when adenomyosis (endometriosis within the uterine muscle fibers) or uterine fibroids are present. However, removal of the uterus alone does not treat endometriosis.
Significance of the Danish Study Results
The study linking endometriosis to a higher risk of stroke and heart disease should be viewed with caution. Patients with endometriosis often use hormonal contraceptives, and it is known that prolonged use of these medications can increase the risk of thrombosis, stroke, and other cardiovascular complications.
Endometriosis is a complex condition that can cause severe and debilitating pain in some cases, but it should not be considered the sole cause of cardiovascular risk. This connection between endometriosis and cardiovascular health remains an important point for future research and careful patient monitoring.
