Overview

• A 22-year Swedish cohort study of more than 99,000 women found that clinically diagnosed PMS or PMDD corresponded to a 10% rise in overall cardiovascular disease risk.
• The association was notably strong for arrhythmias, which saw a 31% higher risk, and for ischemic stroke, with a 27% increase.
• Elevated risks held steady even after accounting for smoking, body mass index and mental health conditions, highlighting the link’s persistence.
• Women diagnosed with premenstrual disorders before age 25 faced up to a 24% higher risk, suggesting early-onset symptoms signal greater long-term vulnerability.
• Researchers propose pathway mechanisms involving RAAS dysregulation, chronic inflammation and metabolic abnormalities and urge clinicians to integrate menstrual history into cardiovascular screening.