Oophorectomy increases heart failure risk in women

A recent study has found that women who undergo a procedure called bilateral oophorectomy, which involves the removal of both ovaries, may have a higher risk of developing heart failure later in life. This research is being presented at the American College of Cardiology's Annual Scientific Session. Bilateral oophorectomy is usually performed to treat health issues like endometriosis, heavy bleeding, and ovarian cancer. The study highlights that this procedure stops the production of estrogen and other important hormones, potentially leading to early menopause. Researchers suggest that this sudden hormonal change could impact cardiovascular health in a unique way. The study analyzed data from 6,814 women who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey between 2017 and 2023. The average age of women undergoing the procedure was about 44 years, while the average age for heart failure diagnosis was 57 years. It was found that women who had their ovaries removed had a 1.5 times higher risk of heart failure compared to those who did not have the surgery. Notably, white women and those who had the surgery at younger ages faced an even higher risk, nearly double that of their peers. The findings suggest that the age at which a woman has her ovaries removed can influence when heart failure may develop, with older ages correlating to later onset of the condition. Researchers emphasize the importance of discussing cardiovascular risks with healthcare providers before undergoing oophorectomy, especially for women who have options regarding the timing of the procedure. They recommend that women maintain a healthy lifestyle and consider hormone replacement therapy to manage their heart health post-surgery. The study does have limitations, as it relied on self-reported data and did not pinpoint the exact timeframe for when heart failure might occur after the surgery. However, the findings add to existing concerns about the long-term cardiovascular effects of early surgical menopause, an issue of growing importance given the number of women who have this procedure. Further research is needed to confirm these results with larger datasets and to explore preventive measures for heart health in women who undergo oophorectomy.