PCOS and Heart Health

Regardless if you are thin or not, women with PCOS have a higher rate of cardiovascular risk factors. These risks include elevated triglyceride (TG) levels (the blood storage form of fat), blood pressure, C-reactive protein (marker of inflammation and oxidative stress), total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol (the so-called "bad" type of cholesterol), and low levels of HDL (the "good" type of cholesterol that we should have high levels of). Studies show that as many as 70% of all women with PCOS have elevated levels of LDL cholesterol and low levels of HDL (1,2) both of which are strong predictors of cardiovascular disease.

Whether you have abnormal cholesterol levels or not, now is the time to take measures to improve your heart and your health. The following are some of the best ways to help your heart.