Women with endometriosis -- a chronic gynaecological disease -- are at a 35 per cent higher risk of severe heart attack, according to a study on Thursday.

Endometriosis occurs when tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside of the uterus, such as in the ovaries and fallopian tubes. It is more common among women between the ages of 30 and 40 and can cause severe pelvic pain, and abnormal or heavy menstrual flow.