Until recently, we thought that uterine fibroids didn’t usually pose a serious risk to your overall health. While symptoms like heavy bleeding could increase your risk for anemia, these uterine tumors are typically non-cancerous and unlikely to cause serious harm. Now, however, a new study is changing the way we view the overall health risks associated with fibroids, pointing out that having these tumors increases women’s risk for developing heart disease.

Fibroids and Heart Disease: Uncovering the Connection

A new study in the Journal of the American Heart Association has revealed a link between having uterine fibroids and increased risk, both on the short-and-long-term, developing atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD).

To reach these findings, researchers from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania studied health records for more than 2 million American women, looking for a connection between uterine fibroids and incidents of ASCVD. They discovered that women with fibroids were more likely to suffer from heart disease, both one and ten years after receiving a fibroids diagnosis. Said lead study author Julia D. DiTosto, “The strength of the relationship between heart disease risk and uterine fibroids was striking. However, it’s important to note that more research is needed to confirm these findings in other populations before formal changes are made to cardiovascular risk assessment guidelines. In the meantime, these results support having thoughtful conversations between women and their providers about heart health in the context of a fibroid diagnosis.”

Reducing the Risk of Fibroids and Heart Disease

As DiTosto noted, more research is necessary in order to determine exactly how and why fibroids impact your risk for cardiovascular disease. In the meantime, we know that obesity increases your risk for both conditions, so reaching and maintaining a healthy weight could help reduce the impact on your general well-being.

Moving forward, as we learn more about the links between fibroids and heart disease, it may become clear how the former directly increases your risk for the latter. If so, we’ll able to say that seeking fibroid treatment will reduce fibroid symptoms, while also protecting your cardiovascular health. But, while we wait for the science on that front, we can say that treating your fibroids is a great way to reduce your symptom burden and improve your quality of life. And, if you seek minimally-invasive UFE at one of our seven Texas Endovascular locations, you can find that relief without the need for invasive incisions or overnight hospital stays. So contact our team today and request your consultation!