WEDNESDAY, June 18, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Women with infertility may face a higher risk of heart problems, including heart disease and stroke, according to a new review of medical evidence.
Researchers presented the findings at a joint meeting of the European Society of Pediatric Endocrinology and the European Society of Endocrinology in Copenhagen, Denmark. The results show that women with infertility are more likely to develop heart-related conditions, especially if they are under 40 or have undergone fertility treatments.
“This research suggests that infertility could serve as an early warning sign for future heart issues,” said lead researcher Dr. Elena Armeni, an endocrinologist at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens in Greece.
The research team reviewed 21 previous studies. These included nearly 179,000 women diagnosed with infertility and about 3.4 million women without fertility problems. They compared heart health outcomes between the two groups.
Their analysis revealed the following increased risks among women with infertility:
17% higher risk of heart disease
16% higher risk of stroke
14% higher risk of conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels
The risk was even more significant for certain groups. Women under the age of 40 had a 20% greater chance of developing heart disease, while those who had fertility treatments faced an 18% increased risk of heart problems.
“Recognizing infertility as a potential early marker for cardiovascular disease may allow doctors to monitor and treat women at risk sooner,” Armeni explained. “It also highlights the need to explore the long-term effects of fertility treatments like assisted reproductive technologies.”
Next, the research team plans to follow women over time to better understand how infertility and heart health are connected. They aim to uncover the biological reasons behind this link and to identify which women may be most vulnerable.
“Our goal is to help shape future prevention strategies and improve heart care for women with a history of infertility,” Armeni added.
Experts caution that these findings are still preliminary. The data was presented at a medical meeting and has not yet been published in a peer-reviewed journal.
What This Means for You
If you’re facing infertility, it’s important to talk to your doctor about your heart health. Early monitoring and preventive care could reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.
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