A recent study reveals that heart-related health issues may impact as many as 1 in 7 pregnancies, even among women with no previous history of heart disease. This research, which assessed over 56,000 pregnancies from 2001 to 2019 in New England, indicates a concerning upward trend in cardiovascular complications during pregnancy.
Published on Monday in the journal Circulation, the study found that approximately 15% of pregnancies experienced conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, heart failure, blood clots, high blood pressure, and, in severe cases, maternal death.
Dr. Emily Lau, a cardiologist at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston and part of the research team, emphasized the urgency of these findings. “Our findings showcase an alarming trend of rising real-world burden of pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications and highlight pregnancy from preconception to the postpartum period as a crucial window of opportunity to implement primary prevention strategies and optimize cardiovascular health,” she stated.
The study points out that heart complications are responsible for more than a third of maternal deaths and are one of the leading health concerns for pregnant women. The researchers monitored pregnancies within the Mass General Brigham healthcare system, revealing that while the increase in heart issues was most pronounced among those with pre-existing conditions, pregnant women of all ages faced rising risks, regardless of their heart health history.
Key Findings and Rising Risk Factors:
The researchers noted a significant uptick in several health risk factors before and during pregnancy:
– Obesity: Increased from 2% in 2001 to 16% in 2019.
– High blood pressure: Climbed from 3% to 12%.
– Elevated cholesterol: Rose from 3% to 10%.
– Diabetes: Went up from 1% to 3%.
Dr. Stacey Rosen, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women’s health at Northwell Health in New York City, highlighted the preventability of many of these health risks. “Most of these health risk factors can be prevented through lifestyle changes or medication. Yet, many of my patients aren’t even aware they have these conditions or that they’re at risk,” she stated.
Rosen strongly advises prospective mothers to seek medical advice early. “If you’re planning to become pregnant, I strongly encourage you to connect with a clinician early to understand your risks and take steps to reduce them,” she said. She emphasized the importance of staying proactive about health during pregnancy, urging women to be attentive to their bodies and consult with healthcare providers about any concerns.
She also reminded new mothers of the significance of the postpartum period, advising, “Don’t overlook the postpartum period, which also carries important health considerations. Starting before pregnancy and continuing after birth, there are valuable opportunities to make heart-healthy choices that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and support long-term wellness.”
