Uterine Fibroids: A Possible Early Signal for Women’s Heart Disease Risk
Key Points
- Uterine fibroids may act as an early warning sign for heart disease in women
- Women with fibroids show an over-80% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease
- The risk is even more pronounced in younger women under 40, with about a 3.5-fold increase
A recent study reported in the Journal of the American Heart Association suggests that uterine fibroids could serve as an early indicator of cardiovascular risk in women. The researchers found that women diagnosed with fibroids faced more than an 80% higher likelihood of developing heart disease compared with those without fibroids.
Lead researcher Julia DiTosto, a doctoral student in epidemiology at the University of Pennsylvania, explained, “Our findings imply that fibroids may be an important marker for identifying women at elevated cardiovascular risk, with the risk remaining elevated for up to 10 years after diagnosis.”
Fibroids are noncancerous growths in the muscular layer of the uterus. Estimates indicate that up to 80% of women may develop fibroids by age 50, and as many as 20% of premenopausal women may experience symptoms.
Despite their high prevalence, fibroids are often understudied and not well understood, according to DiTosto. Common symptoms can include heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding, bleeding between periods, and pelvic pain, as described by Johns Hopkins Medicine.
In the study, researchers analyzed data from more than 450,000 women with fibroids and compared them with about 2.2 million women without fibroids, using data collected between 2000 and 2022. They evaluated the risk of heart disease, stroke, or peripheral artery disease.
After ten years of follow-up, roughly 5.4% of women with fibroids experienced a heart attack, stroke, or another heart-related event, versus 3% of women without fibroids. Overall, the presence of fibroids corresponded to an 81% higher risk of heart disease over a decade. The risk was especially stark for women under 40, who were about 3.5 times more likely to develop heart disease if they had fibroids.
DiTosto noted the strength of the observed association but emphasized that further research is needed to confirm these results in different populations before updating cardiovascular risk guidelines.
Biological pathways may help explain the connection. Some studies suggest that fibroids and cardiovascular disease share processes such as smooth muscle cell growth, excessive fibrous tissue formation, calcification, and inflammatory responses, DiTosto said.
Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association, commented on the findings, noting that this study adds to the understanding of factors shaping women’s cardiovascular risk—the leading cause of death for women. Rosen pointed out the importance of routine health care beyond gynecologic visits, encouraging all clinicians to engage in comprehensive heart health discussions during annual well-woman exams.
What this means for you
If you have uterine fibroids, consider discussing your cardiovascular risk with your doctor and explore lifestyle steps—like a balanced diet and regular physical activity—that can mitigate heart disease risk.
For more information, Johns Hopkins Medicine provides resources on uterine fibroids.
Source: American Heart Association press release, December 10, 2025
Disclaimer: This summary reflects reported study findings and expert commentary and should not substitute professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
