Increased Cardiovascular Risk Linked to Infertility History in Women Undergoing Assisted Reproductive Technology

Recent findings indicate that women with a history of infertility may face a heightened risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life, particularly among younger women and those who undergo assisted reproductive technologies (ART) such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF). These insights were shared at the inaugural Joint Congress of the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology (ESPE) and the European Society of Endocrinology (ESE).

Globally, approximately one in six individuals of reproductive age will encounter infertility at some point in their lives. Treatments for infertility frequently involve advanced methods like IVF and other ART options. Although earlier research has suggested a potential correlation between infertility and increased cardiovascular risk, the existing data has often been inconsistent, with a lack of comprehensive reviews assessing the broader implications of medically assisted reproduction.

A recent study conducted by researchers from the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens analyzed 21 studies encompassing a total of 178,828 women with infertility and 3,398,781 women without fertility issues. The analysis revealed that women who have experienced infertility are at a 14% higher risk of developing heart and vascular conditions, 17% more likely to face heart disease, and 16% more susceptible to stroke compared to their counterparts without infertility histories. Notably, younger women under 40 with infertility exhibited a 20% increase in cardiovascular disease risk, while those who underwent ART treatments faced a 4% elevated risk.

Lead researcher Dr. Elena Armeni emphasized that this meta-analysis is significant as it consolidates extensive data to examine both the link between infertility and cardiovascular risk and the effects of assisted reproductive technologies on long-term heart health. This research underscores the potential for infertility to serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular health issues.

Dr. Armeni further mentioned that recognizing infertility as a potential early warning sign for cardiovascular disease could enable healthcare providers to identify women who might benefit from closer monitoring and early intervention strategies. This research raises pertinent questions regarding the long-term implications of fertility treatments, particularly ART.

Previous studies have yielded mixed results regarding the association between infertility and heart disease, prompting the researchers to focus on high-quality studies and incorporate sensitivity analyses based on study design and participant age in their meta-analysis.

Looking forward, the research team plans to conduct longitudinal studies to further investigate how a history of infertility influences cardiovascular health over time. Their goal is to establish a well-structured prospective study to closely analyze the relationship between various causes of infertility, exposure to ART, and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes. By elucidating the biological mechanisms behind these associations, they aim to identify the most at-risk groups and contribute to the development of future guidelines for early prevention strategies, ultimately enhancing cardiovascular care for women with a history of infertility.