Adolescent girls with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) face a significantly higher risk of developing hypertension, according to a new study that emphasizes the importance of regular blood pressure monitoring in this population.
The retrospective cohort study analyzed data from 224,418 adolescent girls (mean age 14.9 years) who attended well-child visits between 2013 and 2019 within a diverse, community-based US healthcare system. Of these, 15.8% were classified as having obesity. Blood pressure readings, taken during these visits, were evaluated using the 2017 American Academy of Pediatrics Practice Guidelines, which define hypertensive blood pressure as 130/80 mm Hg or higher.
The findings revealed that 18.2% of girls with PCOS had hypertensive blood pressure compared to 7.1% of those without PCOS. Girls with PCOS had a 25% higher risk of developing hypertension than their peers without the condition. Furthermore, among adolescents with obesity, those with PCOS had a 23% higher risk of hypertension compared to those without PCOS.
The authors concluded that the high prevalence of hypertension in adolescents with PCOS highlights the critical need for early and consistent blood pressure monitoring in this at-risk group. These findings underscore the importance of proactive cardiovascular health management in young individuals with PCOS, particularly those with additional risk factors such as obesity.
