Illustration of a heart intertwined with ovarian cysts, representing the connection between PCOS and cardiovascular health.

PCOS and Heart Health: Is There a Hidden Connection?

Theo Raines in Health & Wellness November 2025 • 4 min read.

"New research suggests a link between Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, a key inflammatory marker (sTWEAK), and increased risk of dyslipidemia and potential cardiovascular issues in young women."

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a common hormonal disorder affecting women of reproductive age. Beyond its well-known effects on fertility and menstrual cycles, PCOS is increasingly recognized for its broader impact on overall health. This includes metabolic disturbances like dyslipidemia (abnormal lipid levels), insulin resistance, and a heightened risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Understanding these connections is crucial for early intervention and proactive management of PCOS.

One area of growing interest is the role of inflammation in PCOS and its potential link to cardiovascular risk. Researchers are investigating various inflammatory markers to better understand these complex relationships. Among them is soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis, mercifully abbreviated to sTWEAK. This molecule has been implicated in the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues.

A recent study published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation delves into the association between sTWEAK levels, PCOS, and dyslipidemia in young women. The findings shed light on how these factors might interact to increase cardiovascular risk, offering potential new avenues for early detection and targeted interventions.

Decoding the sTWEAK-PCOS-Dyslipidemia Connection: What the Research Reveals

Illustration of a heart intertwined with ovarian cysts, representing the connection between PCOS and cardiovascular health.

The study, conducted as a prospective-observational trial, involved 35 young women diagnosed with PCOS and 35 healthy controls matched for age and body mass index (BMI). Researchers measured serum sTWEAK levels in all participants and assessed their lipid profiles to determine the presence of dyslipidemia. The key findings highlighted a significant association between PCOS, elevated sTWEAK levels, and an increased risk of dyslipidemia.

Here’s a breakdown of the core insights from the study:

Elevated sTWEAK in PCOS: Women with PCOS had significantly higher serum sTWEAK levels compared to the control group.
Higher Dyslipidemia Rates: The percentage of women with dyslipidemia was significantly greater in the PCOS group.
Independent Predictors: Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that both the presence of PCOS and elevated sTWEAK levels were independent predictors of dyslipidemia. This means that even when other factors were considered, PCOS and sTWEAK remained significantly associated with an increased risk of abnormal lipid levels.
Cut-off Value: Using ROC analysis, the best sTWEAK cut-off value for distinguishing between cases with and without dyslipidemia was determined to be 693 pg/ml.

These results suggest that sTWEAK could play a role in the development of dyslipidemia in women with PCOS. This is particularly concerning because dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease.

Taking Charge of Your Heart Health with PCOS

The study underscores the importance of proactive cardiovascular risk management in women with PCOS. While more research is needed to fully understand the role of sTWEAK and other inflammatory markers, the findings highlight the potential benefits of early screening and intervention. If you have PCOS, talk to your doctor about assessing your lipid profile and other cardiovascular risk factors. Lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise, can also help manage dyslipidemia and reduce your overall risk.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1159/000447590, Alternate LINK

Title: Polycystic Ovary Syndrome And Increased Soluble Tumor Necrosis Factor Like Weak Inducer Of Apoptosis Levels Are Independent Predictors Of Dyslipidemia In Youth

Subject: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal: Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation

Publisher: S. Karger AG

Authors: Kudret Erkenekli, Efser Oztas, Elif Kuscu, Uğur Keskin, Yasemin Gulcan Kurt, Ahmet Tas, Nafiye Yilmaz

Published: 2016-08-27

Everything You Need To Know

What is Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and why is it important to understand its broader impact?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common hormonal disorder in women of reproductive age. Beyond affecting fertility and menstrual cycles, PCOS is linked to metabolic disturbances like dyslipidemia and insulin resistance, elevating the risk of cardiovascular disease. Early understanding and management of these connections are vital for those with PCOS.

What is sTWEAK and how is it related to Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and cardiovascular risk?

sTWEAK, or soluble tumor necrosis factor-like weak inducer of apoptosis, is an inflammatory marker. Research suggests sTWEAK is linked to the development of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular issues. A study revealed elevated sTWEAK levels in women with PCOS, suggesting it could be a predictor of dyslipidemia and increased cardiovascular risk in this population. More research is required to fully understand the relationship.

What were the key findings of the study on sTWEAK levels, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), and dyslipidemia?

A recent study showed that women with PCOS had significantly higher serum sTWEAK levels and a greater percentage with dyslipidemia compared to a control group. Importantly, both PCOS and elevated sTWEAK levels were identified as independent predictors of dyslipidemia, meaning they were associated with an increased risk of abnormal lipid levels even when other factors were considered. The sTWEAK cut-off value for distinguishing between cases with and without dyslipidemia was determined to be 693 pg/ml.

What are the implications of the study's findings regarding sTWEAK and dyslipidemia for women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)?

The study suggests that sTWEAK could play a role in the development of dyslipidemia in women with PCOS, a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease. This underscores the importance of proactive cardiovascular risk management. While the exact mechanisms require further investigation, these findings highlight the potential benefits of early screening for lipid profiles and other cardiovascular risk factors in women with PCOS.

What steps can women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) take to manage their heart health based on the research about sTWEAK?

If you have PCOS, it's important to discuss your cardiovascular risk with your doctor. This may involve assessing your lipid profile and other relevant risk factors. Lifestyle modifications, such as adopting a healthy diet and engaging in regular exercise, can significantly help manage dyslipidemia and reduce your overall cardiovascular risk. Further research will clarify the specific role of sTWEAK and other inflammatory markers.