Increased arterial stiffness in mildly-hypertensive women with polycystic ovary syndrome

Aim: Although risk factors for cardiovascular disease, such as obesity, hyperinsulinemia, and dyslipidemia, are commonly observed in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), impairment of vascular function is still controversial. We evaluated the vascular function in young women with PCOS. Methods: We evaluated arterial stiffness in 54 women with PCOS and 24 healthy control women using a volume‐plethysmographic apparatus equipped with a multi‐element applanation tonometry sensor for the left common carotid artery and studied the correlations of various factors. Results: There was no significant difference in age or body mass index between the controls and the women with PCOS. These women with PCOS had a significantly higher serum testosterone and C‐reactive protein levels and showed insulin resistance and dyslipidemia. The mean blood pressure in women with PCOS was within the normal range, but still significantly higher than those in the controls. Women with PCOS had a significantly higher brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) than that for the controls (P