Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) has become one of the most common health conditions affecting women across India today. If you’re a woman in your teens, 20s, or 30s, chances are either you—or someone you know—has been diagnosed with PCOS.
Most people associate PCOS with irregular periods, weight gain, acne, or difficulty in conceiving. But here’s something most Indian women don’t know:
PCOS significantly increases your risk of heart disease.
And because heart disease in women is already underdiagnosed in India, this combination makes PCOS a silent but serious threat.
How Common is PCOS in India?
Studies show that 1 in 5 women in India may have PCOS, with rates even higher in urban areas. Sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy food choices, and rising obesity levels are all contributing to this epidemic.
But what’s the connection between PCOS and heart disease? Let’s break it down.
Why Does PCOS Increase Heart Risks?
- Higher Risk of Insulin Resistance
PCOS often leads to insulin resistance, meaning your body doesn’t use insulin properly. This raises blood sugar levels, leading to prediabetes or type 2 diabetes, both of which increase the risk of heart disease. - Higher Levels of ‘Bad’ Cholesterol (LDL)
Many women with PCOS have elevated LDL (bad cholesterol) and lower HDL (good cholesterol), directly contributing to plaque buildup in arteries. - Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
PCOS also increases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure, one of the most dangerous heart risk factors. - Obesity and Belly Fat
Weight gain, especially belly fat, is common with PCOS. Unfortunately, abdominal fat is more dangerous for heart health than fat stored elsewhere in the body. - Chronic Inflammation
PCOS is linked with chronic low-grade inflammation, another silent contributor to heart disease.
The Danger?
Many women focus only on treating the surface symptoms (like acne or irregular periods) and completely miss the bigger long-term danger to their heart.
PCOS and the Indian Lifestyle Problem
In India, managing PCOS is even harder because of:
- High-carb traditional diets (too much white rice, fried snacks, sweets)
- Lack of regular physical activity (especially in urban sedentary lifestyles)
- Cultural neglect of women’s health (“Shaadi ke baad theek ho jayega” mindset)
- Social stigma around discussing reproductive or hormonal health
All of this leads to late diagnosis, poor management, and increased risk of silent heart problems by the time a woman reaches her 30s or 40s.
How The Heartbeat Foundation Is Taking Action
Recognizing this growing risk, The Heartbeat Foundation has launched initiatives focused on protecting women with PCOS from future heart disease.
1. Free & Subsidized Heart Screenings for Women with PCOS
Regular cholesterol, blood sugar, and BP monitoring is offered at our camps and partner clinics.
2. Awareness Drives in Schools and Colleges
Educating younger women about the connection between hormonal health and heart health before the damage begins.
3. Affordable Consultations with Nutritionists and Gynecologists
Working alongside doctors and dietitians to provide customized, affordable diet and lifestyle plans for Indian women struggling with PCOS.
4. Breaking the Silence
Through community sessions and online campaigns, we encourage women to speak openly about PCOS, eliminating the stigma around hormonal health.
What You Should Do Next
If you’ve been diagnosed with PCOS, it’s not just about periods or fertility—it’s about your long-term heart health. Take these simple steps:
Get your cholesterol and blood sugar checked regularly.
Including exercise in your daily life—even 20 minutes a day helps.
Limit refined carbs and fried foods.
Speak to a doctor about your heart risks, not just your hormonal issues.
Join The Heartbeat Foundation’s free programs for affordable help.
Final Thoughts
PCOS is common, but its connection to heart disease is not commonly discussed. By spreading awareness and making preventive care accessible, The Heartbeat Foundation is working to ensure Indian women don’t just survive PCOS—they thrive beyond it.
Don’t ignore the link. Take control of your health today.
Visit our website to find a screening camp near you or to connect with our doctors and dietitians.
