Assessment of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Patients’ Perception for Different Cardiovascular Risk Factors using Questionnaire

Abstract

Aim: The aim of the present study was to investigate the perception for the presence of cardiovascular risk factors in Bulgarian patients with PCOS and/or obesity. Study Design: Clinic of endocrinology, Alexandrovska University Hospital, Sofia, Bulgaria between January 2010 and December 2011. Methodology: One hundred women (30 obese, 50 nonobese PCOS and 20 obese PCOS) aged 18-45 years were included in the study. They were asked to fill a questionnaire, containing questions about common and popular cardiovascular risk factors like obesity, arterial hypertension, dislipidemia, diabetes and stress. Then their answers were compared to the results form the anthropometric measurements and laboratory tests, performed during the hospital stay. Results: 98% of the patients with body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 stated that they have obesity and do not find their weight appropriate. Only 33.3% of the obese PCOS patients however were able to point their present weight correctly, compared to 59.3% in obese and 67.3% in nonobese PCOS patients group. 56.7% of obese and 65% of obese PCOS patients stated that they were treated for obesity (diet, physical activity or drugs). 59,3% of obese patients had dislipidemia without knowing that while the actual rate of dislipidemia in this group was 70%. The highest matching between the answers of the patients and the test results was observed for arterial hypertension – 82.1%, 96.0% and 84.2% for obese, nonobese PCOS and obese PCOS groups respectively. The data about the presence of stress at home or at work showed that women with PCOS have generally higher rates of stress compared to obese women without PCOS. Conclusion: Patients with PCOS and/or obesity are well informed about the presence of the common cardiovascular risk factors.