Poor cardiovascular health is a risk factor for female infertility

1. Cardiovascular health and infertility are negatively correlated with physical activity, BMI, and blood glucose being major indicators of cardiovascular health that impact fertility

Evidence Rating Level: 2 (Good) 

Female infertility affects around 10% of couples globally. There is emerging evidence that links female infertility with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) which suggests infertility could be a sign of CVD later in life. Elevated triglyceride levels and lower levels of high-density lipoproteins have been observed in females with idiopathic infertility. These are also markers of cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to determine the relationship between cardiovascular health and female infertility using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). 3,969 participants from NHANES were included based on availability of data regarding fertility and cardiovascular health. Infertility status was determined by questions within the Reproductive Health Questionnaire. Cardiovascular health was evaluated through the LE8 score which includes diet, physical activity, tobacco use, sleep, body mass index (BMI), lipid levels excluding high-density lipoprotein (HDL), blood glucose, and blood pressure. All models showed an inverse association between cardiovascular health score and infertility. For every 10-point increase in the LE8 score (scored 0-100), the odds of infertility dropped 7% after adjusting for covariates. Participants with moderate or high cardiovascular health had 24% and 41% lower odds of infertility respectively. The physical activity, body mass index, and blood glucose scores had significant negative association with infertility. Overall, study findings provide reasonable evidence that there is a link between cardiovascular health and fertility, and may be an important counselling point between practitioners and patients with regards to family planning. 

Click to read the study in PLOSONE

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