Assessment of Cardiac Autonomic Function in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Through Ewing's Battery, Heart Rate Variability Analysis, and Composite Autonomic Symptom Score-31 Scale

Abstract

IntroductionPolycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a frequently occurring endocrine condition prevalent in women of reproductive age characterized by chronic anovulation, hyperandrogenism, insulin resistance, and a lowgrade inflammatory state. Patients with PCOS are more vulnerable to developing cardiac and metabolic comorbidities. Sympathetic overactivity is also reported in PCOS patients. ObjectiveThis study aimed to assess cardiac autonomic function in PCOS by Heart Rate Variability Analysis, Ewing's Test, and Composite Autonomic Symptom Scale-31 (COMPASS-31). MethodsThirty female PCOS patients and 30 age-matched control females were enrolled in the study. Both cases and controls were subdivided into sub-groups based on body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). The cardiac autonomic functions were assessed by the COMPASS-31 questionnaire, Ewing's battery tests, and short-term heart rate variability analysis. ResultsThere was no significant difference in age, BMI, and WHR of both groups. Additionally, cases had a significantly higher low frequency to high frequency (LF/HF) ratio and COMPASS-31 score and also reported more derangement in Ewing's battery test, indicating cardiac autonomic dysfunction in PCOS patients. ConclusionPatients with PCOS are more prone to developing cardiac and metabolic co-morbidities. Early assessment of cardiac autonomic function can prevent future complications with timely interventions. Altered autonomic function in PCOS patients can be due to hyperandrogenism and insulin resistance.

Overcoming PCOS-Related Infertility by Using In Vitro Maturation Approach: A Case Report

“…Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal disorder that can cause infertility in women of childbearing age, in which 80% of cases are related to PCOS [ 1 ]. The irregular menstrual cycle, hyperandrogenism, and multiple cysts in the ovary, along with hirsutism, acne, alopecia, and infertility, are clinical manifestations of PCOS [ 2 ]. Female infertility can result from a variety of factors, including PCOS, hormonal disorders, premature ovarian failure, genital infections, endometriosis, fallopian tube obstruction, and congenital uterine anomalies [ 3 ].…”