--- title: Pregnancy Complications and Heart Failure Risk date: 2021-12-14T03:00:00-05:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pregnancy-complications-and-heart-failure-risk" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Pregnancy Complications and Heart Failure Risk Complications during pregnancy can lead to cardiovascular risk down the road, including the risk of heart failure. > An analysis of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI), results of the study demonstrate hypertensive disorders of pregnancy were independently associated with increased risk of incident heart failure, but this association was not observed for other adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as gestational diabetes, low birth weight, and preterm delivery. [Read the full article ](https://www.hcplive.com/view/hypertensive-disorders-of-pregnancy-linked-to-increased-heart-failure-risk) SOURCE: Practical cardiology • AUTHOR: Patrick Campbell • LAST UPDATED: December 14, 2021 ![pexels-ivan-samkov-pregnant-woman-belly](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAVCAIAAACor3u9AAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAC/klEQVQ4jW1VUbLjSAgDGjtz//tt1X7sGSbuBqT9oO2k3gyJ7SQVC5AE1v/++VdIAFWVGRGREZGRmagCoao2zA8/j/N8vc7X6/V6ned5nKf7MdzNTNVEhCTAArAPgjSVn8E+SPbHvlIoJPvE/R95Lvy6myLcdwj9D3xpCJAASYiIqgCGQgcJousDaSRFVJ7MbPiuSFx0v6R/3NAAgCoAokJSVNVsVAfuoIFUikBE+Qk8Z1dRKneGXTwKqKzMLJSImBmFqjrMxhgjc7iPAkYBJqqmtrlkt0hgE+Cim8BmF2S14JURUVUUmhmaKzMbPjw9s4ZbDdUSVVERFVKaQABEEQThoioi1DtHU5MZEStWZpI006qDFDUbY7h7eo6RNoaZaZXY1hc/go/ImxsWkFWRGSvWXBEBwEz92K2M4e4x3IfnyPZo06sU4cejKBRB39y0i3mzk7HWmnOutVClZkcWRTa+H34clVWjRhnUhCKqIk19obZBCDhJyK0KkKjMXCvWmtd1rTmrSlXzPEVk2HA/zuPMyDzKvaqGWYmIqlJuFFR1GsJb8tuWVZmREbHmXNd1zevKLDPtNOM4zu8536NBUShV7hZ4WxyAP7q3w7PlXWvOeV3X9fudmWZWBRvjPF/xKzLucahdsKr2uDyVPjm8paiuvjK+E7yv9/udkWZGih/H61dk5D1pe6jk2R3kM+Q9SwC8qghkS5v5o4P373dGjjFU7Xy9MvJu/RnaPWDbirhz3K14l1OZ2fxkrG+K3ldGDvfhxw90+bHzvrr5KAF4ZpL4Lj8iVsScc17zuq6MOk6cEXmj70X21zUpn3XU6npVAszs8j8UrbXmXHOuilLRrn0PTM+VqKpKb4kfq3p3AwKeVQSqvlXYVo21Yq5KjOEosPFFN7TK/aXz3Svt3tQdW+TaGSor9zs2XSxW1QaXXfzTQe85ffCfh9UtifezrbZt95S3ZTshIcTtE/nuQLUnWD4k/fng8t7a21/Al8XuhYjH6I3ecA8x3w090I9S8j+MXvTk+y8MTwAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) Ivan Samkov/Pexels ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/heart-health) - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ pregnancy & postpartum heart health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/pregnancy-postpartum-heart-health) - [heart disease](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease) - [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy) - [high blood pressure](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/high-blood-pressure) - [heart disease risk factors](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/heart-disease-risk-factors) - [maternal health](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/maternal-health) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Pregnancy Complications May Signal Future Heart Health Troubles There is growing data showing the link between complications during pregnancy and risk for future heart disease. ![Pexels shvets production pregnant black woman scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAE3klEQVRIiU1W7ZLcOA4DQHqSzb7/+1xd3Rslm5lpi8D9kDxZl8ptt1wEPwCK/N9//0OAUqlKVWqpRBFC4sms9fq8Xx8f7+/v779+//Pr16+fP//5+fP3r1/v7+/3/WlEV13fv33/+6/vf//468eP7z/+evv2/Xq7qltIAiBIEiAIEABAsu95nrN3vy4SAHhe/rVxvgaQtBMChhnaFmQE9I4gTuJ442f7cQwSIEkSInngggT74zhRemyCkhADHBghCG6Hxx7H574xEJAgRYkSEVIAAX4Zj2Obw54xADmlIIAIJTg1yMRrPJOZ2LHxRECSElWEKZHE9iqx47Flgn2vISDGigUTlgoiyMATz8y9Zo2XM07CYFuXSmWAlEABTBDH4xmTg6DvtQCIKsq0ZVOGtN1xvGbudeKw4ewKSFKVEsAQqQoYwxMvj4YgnP58LQIiRTVVdFFFKmSA7c695r69g3AQkNv9KgAxRD4R2JkZ3oRhqT9f9xfAQMXVVEEKFMDIeGbmXr7XrsSpgKqqTSYGQRFgEo8HRiYTSf3xehEUWOAiGxqwoMIBgO3xrJm1MobDE0AJKRNxsoXAGDNGJo5Jkf3xeQMQWEBDDTbYYYEKZGxaeOxN1uDUrMpARHjzFwAcYAWccAiS7PePFwABBXZ4AZ0HI1C+uA1n6yCnwkARMSPD2btxtl4YEEDQvz8+uSMIOljgFXR4hRXUZt/+mDgEOhKgQNkVYxwzM7sGGMeBDad/f74YCOgNYEx4BQ4bLLBIcXc/RTx8IItIFDl2MAZgJ/HE92RNxhn3748XASVtXMEYY0zg0FRTkUpiFxugjvvFEIUkiieAkgETzHjW+LX8WhvgE0AFl7OMMXY7SBQqErrQrZ2UEnbjEiEGqcSEAo7JRwdr1uc9r+V7+vfni0AZyxnDTgyEJxfV2o2hhBQAiiipBLGYOEXY4WkusL2W73vNxz2v1b9fL57sx4MYNBSKkrrCkbTpQ0ing6YEMUQpXmGJ0gFIZmbdc7/u+bj743VvADswNKiww6XqokuH46c/UyWUWEURRGxVyebupxvAXjP3a63P1Z/3LcABjTJu44oGMmXEWyMiSiiytBdKEZ/ubon7zMnpp9nav+/Va9ZWRBnLdDiARRMRUdu0UGIXq1TFKlRFDCLvvPErggBfLfWeaXsIOHAYMBS+TPemUPEq9bMOgA4AsmWxzxsQO4hBFrwwjcwW6nO0AiJLvIpX8a341rqaV7NLXexSC6UtbGVrmud4JkCYMGNmlBasI9fNTamkLr2V3nov7ocHQ1UomlDC+Fjep7IABkIEF1zoVggUdrapoqp0ld5a31pv1zb9Z+0iiyKyyaM9AxyMCFFScMMXugkxTRbZxa6qq+pqvXVt629XbYzeg1ltgD19KJs+pwbkYV0KaeZiXwUCzYcjrQ1Qbw/G9VjvY11SBAXeju/UA2T+YBTRSLNbINi7m5Wqq7r0VnVy8vXQ3NYfiSEmCD/04TPgiU/GiesAoLc8W9UPxlV11bH7KGBPrdRWzpMYHt+P+/svHYwukeARv6jSHn8333mm4Toa3r3omUn/OP41q/Lh0hEpWwSJp4ntdfqBag/a22tRwmkJ4DNffkH9mYH364PRJA4Gn0vPXQTP1MYz4G7G4Gt8/jNV81+/J3EA+X/k8KYpU8UmwgAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) There is growing data showing the link between complications during pregnancy and risk for future heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/pregnancy-complications-may-signal-future-heart-health-troubles) [ResourcesRead ## Risk Factors that affect Heart Health during Pregnancy An overview for people with a heart condition on how that might affect pregnancy, what risks exist, and how to prepare. ![Pexels rodnae productions pregnant white woman scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) An overview for people with a heart condition on how that might affect pregnancy, what risks exist, and how to prepare.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/risk-factors-that-affect-heart-health-during-pregnancy) [ResourcesRead ## Types of Heart Disease that Affect Pregnancy This article discusses some of the most common heart conditions seen during pregnancy, describes what those conditions mean, and gives recommendations. ![Pexels daniel reche pregnant belly scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAEbElEQVRIiW1WUc40tw0jac1+aZAA7cF7jx6o5wjSPCT/fmuRfbA9uwU6MIzBjEcUJUoa/vtf/wRBACAJgvcFiiK4V8gQIQM4CeLE62rbTrfb6U47NuwkAoDg/10k9w02Loj97Ly6D4D33fsRCRYQgGtD1qfH6231zWB9SiBZsOtoSAYgmG2W61GIQgAEJBJQuK2SpEhCwn5w4oPc/t7R5DL64V8IAoUshB0RbsdFilqLoEDcDJQAMUL47Q0o0tSbmpKgkpzA7aBvpyRJ1IDIAxAiSRgksN/BJEGZEWkREMEkTArOjryCnC82g0GNQ4IrU0s/sKEdrBMbijIhIkwUZjFYjgjMktN2RxrS4BjUygRx9OAY2NaFlbmA9MYglXUxqDhElv9ZJz8YaDNYkV0+BdtPhAEFJhQJAWakxMFKWVBphxAACg7GnYWd54WBUzB5ux8xYAKKBBYDBIySAEum7ibpUMx6kSMCSuRmwCW7xNhRFpm77I9PJ9CrWECg3CbXWd3IOxPYcloABMLIMCMq9MIQmFOZH0W9r/JskhwgzRE5SXJ0CwoQKWz7ONW0nDzCPiW9rb+bAqp7klo5YNu2EyfO0i2OeLZNZvsL7Hjw3cp4nyVXhFD9atAKBsVutuVskGCzuaO66O0dnzv2/glGADXnXK0KFEezW91qt02bDm2RuwElWdBJfCNtb3Bw8cGq5usFSoGpjEI1+yybbpghtKoJib3mQOK9+RMWWY6cTNfrNbFKj4Imx2Q1q9mNOXdfTCLvdKw0tbv3oMlei9JqVsTJX31/vygqMRWNjIEqjAEJWv0nYwxpZRiJ407b3V4wa5zdALsA9vyo7+9vSnIGGCljYIwMQYr2dLRb0p5icewD0IvNFl/gLHExew6znhvABViylLVII4mHe9SQpCVCBHZst+N+u2+c/nYY4AYg1d1AkyYtWjC3q9U1egEsDkc2x/d8yPow2DwA1PP5hDjcEymgCRMGlvX2rKtqlsZqFyd9TrLklAPwZgAw2T2jfjx/QBrdw66kYSMNd2Z7Vl81q6rG0CHBE6j712XdLAkBwIEBgvrxfELUHOVZcaM7PTPbr+7X1VfVAlhS0u6d2xCw7N7W8wEDIqi/nn+RVI3hWZ4zr+ll/THnNefjuhZALQitObE6wSqnbZ24kfboQID68fwTpOYYXeWafkw/24/Zj55Xz8e8ruuqGteoMVTSEEUOkog2zP8ArAa1+9ICgIZGj+rqru6r++r56PmY87quR19X1aPqGqPGKKnEQQ5SgJCFwROxxFtrC+APEhJVrFYfDM9Hzy/PLz++PB99fXV9VT3GuMa4pIsqYYDi5oFt1zh9EAjq+f2f9fc2Gt3wWenL/Wv6F/fP6Z/df8v1in9yfdkeI1JME4NYPAAzCbyltbJRrxcISOiB6oUPGPAL+Y35Dfk78Q9kEj6Dnwgz7t+lM5X2t6eTG0iqJ0DIGLuDQMAERLTQhPR7C9LQHFRRRU9ygL1/DGBuVJypcDPIfwHE+kZP99j1vAAAAABJRU5ErkJggg==) This article discusses some of the most common heart conditions seen during pregnancy, describes what those conditions mean, and gives recommendations.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/types-of-heart-disease-that-affect-pregnancy) [ResourcesRead ## Heart Health and Pregnancy A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease. ![cdc-c8fnD1rKGCk](data:image/png;base64,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) A heart-healthy pregnancy is possible, even for people with a personal or family history of heart disease.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/heart-health-and-pregnancy) [ResourcesRead ## Tips on Maintaining Heart Health during Pregnancy Keeping your heart healthy during and after pregnancy is possible and may be easier than you think. ![Pexels cottonbro two pregnant women scaled jpg](data:image/png;base64,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) Keeping your heart healthy during and after pregnancy is possible and may be easier than you think.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tips-on-maintaining-heart-health-during-pregnancy) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Dealing with Doctors and My Heart Health TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares her experience with doctors in the days leading up to and after her diagnosis of congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health1) [Stories & ConversationsRead ## Living with Congestive Heart Failure TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Alexandru-Acea-unsplash](data:image/png;base64,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) TC shares how she felt immediately after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-living-with-congestive-heart-failure) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Interacting with My Cardiologist TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure. ![Tannie](data:image/png;base64,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) TC discusses her relationship with the cardiologist she was assigned after being diagnosed with congestive heart failure.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/your-story-heart-health3)