Study Links Bilateral Ovary Removal to Increased Heart Failure Risk

A new study presented at the American College of Cardiology’s Annual Scientific Session (ACC.25) reveals that women of childbearing age who undergo bilateral oophorectomy, the surgical removal of both ovaries, face a significantly higher risk of developing heart failure later in life.

The research, utilizing data from 6,814 female participants in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 2017 and 2023, found that women who underwent the procedure had a 1.5-fold increased risk of heart failure compared to those who retained their ovaries. The average age of women undergoing the procedure was 43.6 years, while the average age of heart failure diagnosis was 57 years.

Key Findings:

• Increased Risk: Bilateral oophorectomy was associated with a 1.5-fold increased risk of heart failure, even after adjusting for factors like race, age, diabetes, smoking, and high cholesterol.
• Age Matters: Women who had their ovaries removed at younger ages exhibited a higher risk. For each year older at the time of oophorectomy, the onset of heart failure was delayed by approximately 0.6 years.
• Racial Disparity: White women showed a twofold increased risk of heart failure following the procedure, significantly higher than other racial groups.
• Hormonal Impact: Researchers attribute the increased risk to the abrupt cessation of estrogen and other hormone production, leading to early-onset menopause.

Dr. Narathorn Kulthamrongsri, lead researcher and internal medicine resident at the University of Hawaii, emphasized the importance of informed discussions between patients and their healthcare providers. “Women must do what is medically necessary in terms of oophorectomy, but our findings suggest they should have an informed discussion with their health care team about how to monitor their cardiovascular health and manage potential risk factors for heart failure,” he said.

The study highlights the need for increased cardiovascular risk awareness and monitoring for women considering bilateral oophorectomy, especially before natural menopause.

Limitations:

The study relied on self-reported data, and researchers were unable to determine the specific timeframe between oophorectomy and heart failure development. Further research with larger, global datasets is recommended to validate these findings and explore potential preventive measures.

Disclaimer: This article is based on a study presented at a medical conference and should not be interpreted as definitive medical advice. Individuals with concerns about their health should consult with a qualified healthcare professional. The findings regarding racial disparities warrant further investigation to understand the underlying causes.