Clinical signs of androgen excess as risk factors for coronary artery disease
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1Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City 73190.
Insights
Women with excess androgens, indicated by hirsutism, show a higher risk of coronary artery disease. This condition, associated with higher triglycerides and lower HDL cholesterol, may signal cardiovascular risk, especially in older women.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Women's Health
Background:
- Women with androgen excess often exhibit dyslipidemia, including higher triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.
- These metabolic changes suggest a potential increased risk for coronary artery disease (CAD).
- However, direct evidence linking androgen excess to CAD in women remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between androgen excess and the presence of coronary artery disease in women.
- To explore the relationship between hirsutism, android fat distribution, and confirmed CAD.
Main Methods:
- The study included 102 women undergoing coronary artery catheterization for symptoms suggestive of androgen excess.
- Hirsutism was assessed as a clinical sign of androgen excess.
- Waist:hip ratio was used as an index for android fat distribution.
- Statistical analyses included chi-squared tests, ANOVA, and t-tests to evaluate associations.
Main Results:
- Hirsutism was significantly more common in women with confirmed coronary artery disease (chi-squared test, p < 0.001).
- Waist:hip ratio was associated with both hirsutism and the presence of CAD.
- These associations were strongest in older women (aged 60 and above).
Conclusions:
- Androgen excess in women, evidenced by hirsutism and android fat distribution, is associated with coronary artery disease.
- These findings suggest that androgen excess may serve as a clinical marker for increased cardiovascular risk in women.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical implications of this association.
Abstract:
Women with androgen excess have been found to have higher triglycerides and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations than nonhirsute women and are presumed to be at increased risk of coronary artery disease. However, definitive data linking androgen excess with coronary artery disease is lacking. We evaluated 102 women coming to coronary artery catheterization for signs and symptoms of androgen excess. Hirsutism was found more commonly in those women with confirmed coronary artery disease (chi 2 = 10.11). Waist:hip ratio (an index of android fat distribution) was associated with hirsutism (by ANOVA, F-test) and with coronary artery disease (t-test). The strongest associations were found in older women (aged greater than or equal to 60). Androgen excess in women may signal risk for coronary artery disease.