Abdominal Fat Distribution, Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Risk Profiles in Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome

Aim To determine potential associations of abdominal fat distribution with insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Methods Cross-sectional study that included detailed clinical examination, body mass indices (BMI), waist-hip ratio, insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk scores for 350 women registered between August 2008 and December 2009. Biochemical analysis included fasting blood glucose level, serum insulin level, triglycerides, total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol. Primary outcomes of interest included insulin resistance and cardiovascular risk score. Results The mean age of the subjects was 25.77 years. Oligoovulation was present in 99% of the women. Eighty-two (23.43%, 95% CI: 19.21%, 28.08%) women were obese and 100 (28.57%, 95% CI: 24.02%, 33.47%) women had android obesity. Insulin resistance was present in 136 (38.86%, 95% CI: 33.85%, 44.05%) women and 107 (30.57%, 95% CI: 25.91%, 35.55%) women had a cardiovascular risk >1. Women with a waist-hip ratio >0.85 were more likely to have insulin resistance (OR 2.70, 95% CI: 1.68, 4.35, p < 0.001) and at increased risk for cardiovascular events (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.12, 2.97, p = 0.02). Obese women were more likely to have insulin resistance (OR 2.53, 95% CI: 1.53, 4.19, p < 0.001) and at increased risk for cardiovascular events (OR: 2.17, 95% CI: 1.30, 3.63, p = 0.003). Conclusion Long-term health hazards of PCOS have to be considered as these may be prevented to some extent by early identification and interventions, such as changing the lifestyle of the individual.