Women who undergo bilateral oophorectomy may face a significantly higher risk of heart failure, with the greatest impact seen in those who have the procedure at a younger age, according to new research presented at the annual meeting of the American College of Cardiology. The study, led by Dr. Narathorn Kulthamrongsri from the University of Hawaii, examined data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2017–2020) to explore this concerning association.
Analyzing data from nearly 4,000 women, researchers found that the average age at which patients underwent oophorectomy was approximately 44 years, while heart failure diagnoses typically occurred around age 57. Notably, for each additional year a woman delayed the procedure, the onset of heart failure was pushed back by approximately 0.6 years. The findings indicate that bilateral oophorectomy is linked to a 3.7-fold increase in heart failure risk—remaining statistically significant even after adjusting for other factors. The risk was even more pronounced among White women, who exhibited a more than fivefold increase in unadjusted analyses and a 2.7-fold increase when adjusted for other variables.
Dr. Kulthamrongsri emphasized that while oophorectomy is often medically necessary, these findings highlight the need for women to have thorough conversations with their healthcare providers. Proactive cardiovascular monitoring, lifestyle modifications, and potential hormone replacement therapy (HRT) should all be considered as part of a comprehensive strategy to mitigate heart risks.
“Women must make the best medical decisions for their health, but our study suggests they should also be proactive about monitoring their cardiovascular risk factors,” Kulthamrongsri noted. “Maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle and discussing potential preventive measures with a healthcare team could be crucial for long-term well-being.”
These findings underscore the need for further research into the long-term cardiovascular effects of oophorectomy and potential protective strategies to safeguard heart health in affected women.