Why is cardiovascular disease related to fertility?
According to Dr. Kshitiz Murdia, Executive Executive Director & Full-time Director of Indira IVF Limited Labor Clinic (India), fertility depends largely on blood circulation.The cardiovascular system is like a "transport network" of the body, bringing oxygen, nutrients and hormones to the reproductive organs.
When the heart or blood vessels are not functioning properly, this transportation process is interrupted, affecting reproductive function.
Cardiovascular disease and pregnancy complications
A study published in the Journal of Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy showed that arterial stiffness, a sign that blood vessels are aging and the heart is at risk, can significantly affect pregnancy outcomes.
Women with preeclampsia often have increased arteriosclerosis even before symptoms appear. pulse wave velocity, a standard method for assessing pulse stiffness, can help detect early the risk of hypertension during pregnancy, thereby helping doctors monitor and intervene promptly.
Cardiovascular health and fertility in men
Cardiovascular health is not only important for women but also clearly affects men's fertility. Population studies show that infertile men are more likely to develop metabolic disorders and cardiovascular disease than those with normal fertility.
Endothelial dysfunction, a condition in which the lining of blood vessels is damaged, is considered a common link between cardiovascular disease, erectile dysfunction and infertility. In addition, reducing nitric oxide (NO) production causes poor blood circulation, affecting erectile dysfunction and sperm production.
According to Dr. Murdia, the size of the penis artery is the same as the coronary artery, so the fibromyalgia here may be an early sign of coronary artery disease. In clinical practice, men with erectile dysfunction should be assessed for cardiovascular health, including lipid profile testing and, if necessary, an ultrasound to check heart function.
Hormonal mechanism: The bridge between the heart and reproduction
Cardiovascular affects reproduction not only through blood circulation but also through the hormonal system.
Hormones such as estrogen, progesterone and testosterone play a key role in ovulation, sperm production and pregnancy maintenance.
Cardiovascular disease or the use of certain cardiovascular drugs can disrupt this hormone balance, leading to reduced fertility.
Lifestyle and the role of prevention
Living habits directly affect both cardiovascular health and fertility. To maintain these two systems, you should:
Maintain a reasonable weight
Exercise regularly, at least 150 minutes per week
Eat a balanced diet, prioritize green vegetables, fruits, whole grains and healthy fats
Limit smoking, alcohol consumption and avoid a sedentary lifestyle
On the contrary, bad habits such as eating a lot of saturated fat, prolonged stress or lack of sleep can damage the cardiovascular system and reduce the ability to conceive.
The information in the article is for reference only, not a replacement for medical diagnosis or treatment. You should talk directly to your doctor for accurate advice that is suitable for your health condition.
