Endometriosis and Risk of Cardiovascular Disease: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Endometriosis is a common disease affecting 10% of reproductive-age women globally and is associated with chronic systemic inflammation. Some studies suggest that women with endometriosis have a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, whereas others have conflicting findings. This study aims to further investigate the association between endometriosis and cardiovascular disease. Methods: A systematic review was conducted using the EMBASE and MEDLINE databases from inception to October 2022. The search strategy comprised terms for “endometriosis” and “cardiovascular disease.” Eligible studies had to include one group of patients with endometriosis and another group of individuals without endometriosis. The study must then compare the incidence or prevalence of cardiovascular disease (major adverse cardiovascular events [MACE], ischemic heart disease [IHD], cerebrovascular accident [CVA], or peripheral artery disease [PAD]). Results: A total of 5,401 articles were identified, and 9 studies were eligible for meta-analysis. Pooled analysis showed an increased prevalence of IHD (pooled odds ratio [OR]: 1.22; 95% confidence interval [95% CI]: 0.74–2.02), CVA (pooled OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.07–1.53), and PAD (pooled OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.35–1.78). Pooled analysis showed an increased incidence of MACE (pooled hazard ratio [HR]: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.14–1.33), IHD (pooled HR: 1.43; 95% CI: 1.28–1.59), and CVA (pooled HR: 1.20; 95% CI: 1.11–1.30). Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found a statistically significant association between endometriosis and increased risk of cardiovascular disease (MACE, IHD, CVA, PAD).