What women need to know: New study link uterine fibroids to higher heart disease risk

If you’ve ever been diagnosed with uterine fibroids — even if you don’t have severe symptoms — there is new research that may change the way you think about your long-term health.

 A large study recently published in the Journal of the American Heart Association found that women with uterine fibroids face a significantly higher risk of developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions compared with women without fibroids.

At South Florida Vascular Associates, we believe in educating women about all aspects of vascular and cardiovascular health — not just visible symptoms like bleeding or pain, but also hidden risks that can affect overall well-being. 

That’s why this study is especially important.

What the study found — Heart risk up to 81% higher

Researchers followed more than 2.7 million women over a 10-year period to compare the development of heart disease and related conditions between women diagnosed with uterine fibroids and those who were not. 

The results were significant:

• Women with fibroids had an 81% higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease, including coronary artery disease (heart attack), cerebrovascular disease (stroke), and peripheral artery disease.
  
• After 10 years of follow-up, 5.4% of women with fibroids had a cardiovascular event, compared with 3.0% of women without fibroids.
  
• This increased risk occurred across all racial and ethnic groups
  
• These results suggest that fibroids — which are noncancerous tumors in the uterus — may be a marker for higher cardiovascular risk and could signal a need for more proactive heart health monitoring.

Understanding uterine fibroids

Uterine fibroids are benign growths that develop from the muscle tissue of the uterus. They are extremely common — a significant number of women develop fibroids by the time they reach age 50.

Fibroid symptoms can vary widely but may include:

• Heavy or prolonged menstrual bleeding
  
• Pelvic pressure or pain
  
• Frequent urination
  
• Lower back discomfort
  
• Anemia from prolonged bleeding
  

Even when fibroids are not causing severe symptoms, the new research suggests that they may still influence long term cardiovascular health.

Why heart health matters for women with fibroids

Fibroids and shared biological pathways

Researchers believe the link between fibroids and heart disease may stem from shared biological processes such as smooth muscle growth, connective tissue buildup, inflammation responses, and calcification — processes that are seen in both fibroid development and cardiovascular disease.

Not just a gynecologic issue

Traditionally, uterine fibroids have been treated solely as a reproductive health concern. But this study suggests something broader: fibroids may be a red flag for underlying vascular or cardiovascular risk factors. This is particularly significant because heart disease is the leading cause of death among women in the United States.

 What this means for you

If you’ve been diagnosed with fibroids, it’s not a reason to panic — but it is a reason to take your heart health seriously. Knowing your cardiovascular risk can empower you to take action early. 

That includes:

• Regular blood pressure and cholesterol checks
  
• Talking with your provider about family history
  
• Monitoring symptoms like fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest discomfort
  
• Considering lifestyle changes to improve heart health (exercise, diet, stress management)
  

The study suggests that more research is needed to fully understand the link, but the evidence points to the importance of comprehensive health care that goes beyond treating fibroid symptoms alone.

A smart, minimally invasive solution for women seeking real fibroid relief

For women living with uterine fibroids who want effective relief without major surgery, uterine fibroid embolization (UFE) has become a trusted option.

This minimally invasive, outpatient procedure targets fibroids at the source by reducing their blood supply, allowing them to shrink naturally over time. With no surgical incisions, no general anesthesia, and no hospital stay, UFE places far less strain on the body and supports a faster, smoother recovery.

For women who are mindful of their overall vascular and heart health, UFE offers a safe, efficient way to manage fibroids while avoiding the added risks often associated with traditional surgical treatments.

How South Florida Vascular Associates can support your heart and vascular health

At South Florida Vascular Associates, you’re not just a diagnosis — you’re a whole person with a health story.

Our team, led by Dr. William Julien, a pioneer in minimally invasive vascular procedures with over 30 years of experience, helps women achieve more than symptom relief. 

We help them understand the connections between vascular conditions and overall health — including cardiovascular wellness.

Our patient-centered approach feels less like a hospital visit and more like care from a trusted partner — because your comfort and long-term health matter to us.