An Unexpected Risk Group for Cardiovascular Disease Identified

Young women with severe precancerous changes of the cervix may face an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This conclusion was reached by Swedish researchers who analyzed national medical registry data covering the years 1958 to 2021. The findings were published in JAMA Oncology.

The condition in question is HSIL (high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion), a severe form of cervical cell abnormality that can progress to cancer and is most commonly associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The researchers compared nearly 30,000 girls and women aged 15–24 diagnosed with HSIL to more than 149,000 peers without such changes.

The analysis showed that women with HSIL had an approximately 20 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease overall. The risk of myocardial infarction was 58 percent higher, while the risk of stroke was about 42 percent higher. Hypertension, heart failure, and cardiac arrhythmias were also more common in this group. In addition, the risk of death from cardiovascular causes was elevated.

The authors stress that the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship. However, they note that cardiovascular and oncological conditions may share common risk factors, including chronic inflammation, smoking, and excess body weight. According to the researchers, young women with a history of HSIL should pay closer attention to cardiovascular risk management and undergo regular medical checkups.