American Heart Month: Can Endometriosis Affect Your Heart?
February is American Heart Month, a time usually dedicated to discussing blood pressure, cholesterol, and exercise. But for the endometriosis community, the conversation about heart health is far more complex.
We are often asked a terrifying question: “Can endometriosis grow on my heart?”
And we also need to answer a more common, long-term question: “Does having endometriosis put me at higher risk for heart disease?”
The answer to both is yes, but in very different ways. Here is what you need to know this month.
1. The Rare Reality: Endometriosis on the Heart (Pericardial Endo)
To the shock of many patients (and doctors), endometriosis can grow almost anywhere in the body. While it usually travels “North” to the diaphragm or lungs (Thoracic Endometriosis), in rare cases, it can penetrate the Pericardium—the sac that surrounds the heart.
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How does it get there? It is believed to travel through the lymphatic system or through defects in the diaphragm, moving from the pelvic cavity up into the chest.
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The Symptoms: Patients with pericardial endometriosis often report cyclic chest pain (pain that syncs with their period), palpitations, or shortness of breath that worsens during menstruation.
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The Treatment: This is the definition of “Extreme Anatomy.” It requires a multidisciplinary surgical team. At ESSI, our multidisciplinary team work together to safely excise lesions in the thoracic cavity, ensuring the disease is removed without damaging vital structures.
2. The Common Reality: Inflammation & Heart Disease
Even if you never have a lesion on your heart, endometriosis can still threaten your cardiovascular health.
Recent studies have shown that women with endometriosis may have a higher risk of developing heart disease later in life. Why? Inflammation.
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Endometriosis is a disease of chronic, systemic inflammation.
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Chronic inflammation is a known driver of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries).
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The constant immune battle your body is fighting in the pelvis can have a ripple effect on your blood vessels over decades.
This is why “managing” endometriosis isn’t just about pain—it’s about lowering your total inflammatory load to protect your long-term health.
3. The “Surgical Menopause” Risk
The biggest threat to an endometriosis patient’s heart often comes from outdated treatment: Oophorectomy (Removing the Ovaries).
For years, doctors removed ovaries to “cure” endometriosis (a myth we have debunked). However, estrogen is cardio-protective. It helps keep blood vessels flexible and healthy.
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The Risk: Women who have their ovaries removed before age 50 face a significantly higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and early death.
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The ESSI Stance: This is why we fight so hard for Organ Preservation. Saving your ovaries isn’t just about fertility; it’s about saving your heart.
Protect Your Heart: What You Can Do
This February, take a “Whole Body” approach to your endometriosis:
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Lower Inflammation: Adopt an anti-inflammatory diet (like the Mediterranean diet) to help both your pelvic pain and your heart health.
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Monitor Your Symptoms: If you have chest pain or shoulder pain during your period, do not ignore it. It could be diaphragmatic or thoracic endometriosis.
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Keep Your Ovaries: If a doctor suggests removing healthy ovaries for endometriosis, get a second opinion.
Your heart works hard every day. Make sure your endometriosis treatment plan supports it.
