Women who suffer from premenstrual syndrome (PMS) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease in later life. This is the conclusion reached by scientists at the Karolinska Institute in Sweden. The results of the study were published in the journal Nature Cardiovascular Research.

The study covered more than 99,000 women. Researchers compared the health of participants with and without PMS, including sisters, to rule out the influence of heredity and upbringing. The health of the participants was monitored for 22 years.

It turned out that the risk of cardiovascular disease in women with PMS is on average 10% higher. The most pronounced link was with arrhythmia (31% higher risk) and ischemic stroke caused by a blood clot (27% higher risk).

Even after adjusting for factors such as smoking, body weight, and mental health, the link between PMS and heart disease remained. According to lead author Yihui Yan, women who experienced PMS symptoms before the age of 25 were most vulnerable. Those who experienced postpartum depression, another condition associated with hormonal fluctuations, were also at risk.

The authors have not yet established the exact cause of the link. They suggest that PMS may cause disturbances in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, which regulates blood pressure and water-salt balance.

Scientists also note that premenstrual syndrome may be the cause of chronic inflammation in the body. This condition increases the risk of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular disorders.