Pregnancy Complications and Cardiovascular Risk

This article by American Heart Association News highlights new research on pregnancy complications and cardiovascular risk.

Women with a history of pregnancy complications have a higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life. This includes pregnant women who have preeclampsia or high blood pressure, gestational diabetes, preterm birth, and other conditions. These conditions are linked to cardiovascular disease risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and Type 2 diabetes.

However, new research suggests that women with these complications can lower their cardiovascular risk by living a healthy lifestyle after giving birth. This includes eating a healthy diet, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and not smoking.

Having healthy lifestyle behaviors and managing blood pressure, cholesterol and blood glucose levels after giving birth significantly lowered their risk for future cardiovascular disease to rates on par with women who didn't have pregnancy complications, the study found.

Note: Ninety-four percent of the research participants were white. More research is needed to determine if lifestyle changes can lower cardiovascular disease risk in women from other racial and ethnic backgrounds.

SOURCE: American Heart Association News • LAST UPDATED: March 21, 2024