• Healthcare Solutions
  • Healthcare Overview
  • Emergency Medicine
  • Hospitalist Medicine
  • Urgent Care
  • Wellness Programs
  • Occupational Medicine
  • Medical Homes
• Careers
  • Careers Overview
  • Employment Opportunities
  • Provider Referral Program
• About Us
  • Exigence Overview
  • CEO Message
  • Mission, Vision, Values
  • History
  • Team
  • Exigence Foundation
  • Branded Clothing and Gifts
  • Contact Us
• News
  • Newsworthy
  • Intelligence
• Home

Cardio-metabolic pregnancy complications may predict future heart disease risk

02.21.2012

Women who experience common pregnancy complications may be significantly more likely to develop cardiovascular disease later in life, according to a new study published in the journal Circulation. The researchers said their findings could be used to identify and treat women with risk factors for heart disease before they develop serious health problems.

The findings have major significance, as a growing number of women today experience cardio-metabolic complications during their pregnancy. The obesity epidemic has led to a rise in the prevalence of preeclampsia - high blood pressure during a pregnancy - and gestational diabetes.

For the study, researchers from the University of Bristol in the UK assessed the overall health of a group of 3,416 women while they were pregnant in the early 1990s. The team then followed up with the participants 18 years after they gave birth.

The results showed that individuals who developed preeclampsia during pregnancy were 31 percent more likely to have been diagnosed with heart disease at the time of follow up. Participants who had gestational diabetes faced a 26 percent greater risk of heart disease.

Furthermore, preeclampsia was linked to higher rates of obesity, high blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol. Gestational diabetes increased the risk that a woman would have high fasting glucose levels later in life.

"Pregnancy may provide an opportunity to identify women at increased risk of heart disease while they are relatively young; thus, it would be useful for medical professionals to have information on pregnancy complications so they can recommend lifestyle changes and any necessary medical intervention sooner," said lead researcher Abigail Fraser.

She added that any woman who experiences these pregnancy complications should talk to her doctor about ways to reduce her future cardiovascular risk. 

Categories: Health and Wellness 

Related Articles