Brachial artery conductance during reactive hyperemia is increased in women with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Objective: To examine changes in brachial artery conductance (BAC) during reactive hyperemia in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) compared to controls.

Study Design: This is a pilot case-control study performed at a single academic medical center. Changes in BAC during reactive hyperemia were evaluated in 31 women with PCOS and 11 healthy control women. Fasting glucose, insulin, lipids and androgen levels were also determined. A mixed-effects model was used to compare the PCOS curve to the control curve for change in BAC from baseline during reactive hyperemia.

Results: Body mass index (BMI) and testosterone levels were significantly increased in the PCOS group compared to controls (P<0.05). In addition, the PCOS group had higher total and LDL cholesterol levels (P=0.05 and 0.09, respectively). Change in BAC from baseline during reactive hyperemia was significantly increased in the PCOS group compared to controls even after adjusting for age, BMI and LDL cholesterol levels (P<0.0001). There were no significant differences between the two groups in age, blood pressure, or fasting glucose or insulin levels.

Conclusions: Brachial artery conductance during reactive hyperemia is significantly increased in women with PCOS compared to controls and may be a novel early indicator of increased cardiovascular risk in women with PCOS.