January 5, 2024 | Amy R. Nichols, PhD, MS, RD; Sheryl L. Rifas-Shiman, MPH; Karen M. Switkowski, PhD, MPH; Mingyu Zhang, PhD, MHS; Jessica G. Young, PhD; Marie-France Hivert, MD, MMSc; Jorge E. Chavarro, MD, ScD; Emily Oken, MD, MPH
This study examines the association between a history of infertility and midlife cardiovascular health (CVH) in female individuals. Using data from the Project Viva cohort study, researchers evaluated the relationship between infertility history and the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score, a validated composite measure of CVH. The study found that individuals with a history of infertility had significantly lower LE8 scores compared to those without a history of infertility. Specifically, those with a history of infertility had lower scores in the overall LE8, biomedical domain, and blood biomarker subdomain. The study also found that the association was more pronounced for infertility experienced before age 35 years. These findings suggest that a history of infertility may serve as a marker for future cardiovascular health in female individuals and highlight the importance of early screening and prevention strategies for those who experience infertility. The study's results provide evidence that infertility may be an important characteristic associated with long-term female cardiovascular health.This study examines the association between a history of infertility and midlife cardiovascular health (CVH) in female individuals. Using data from the Project Viva cohort study, researchers evaluated the relationship between infertility history and the American Heart Association's Life's Essential 8 (LE8) score, a validated composite measure of CVH. The study found that individuals with a history of infertility had significantly lower LE8 scores compared to those without a history of infertility. Specifically, those with a history of infertility had lower scores in the overall LE8, biomedical domain, and blood biomarker subdomain. The study also found that the association was more pronounced for infertility experienced before age 35 years. These findings suggest that a history of infertility may serve as a marker for future cardiovascular health in female individuals and highlight the importance of early screening and prevention strategies for those who experience infertility. The study's results provide evidence that infertility may be an important characteristic associated with long-term female cardiovascular health.