New research shows women aged 30-39 with a history of pre-eclampsia had five times the risk of heart attack and three times the risk of stroke
Women who develop preeclampsia during pregnancy are up to four times more likely to have a heart attack and stroke for several years after giving birth, and the increased risk may persist for up to 20 years, according to a major new Danish study.
The researchers, led by Dr. Sarah Hallum of the University of Copenhagen, who made the relevant publication in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed data on nearly 1.58 million women. Of those who had preeclampsia in their first pregnancy, about 2% had a heart attack or stroke in the next two decades after giving birth, compared with 1.2% among women who did not have preeclampsia in their pregnancy.
Preeclampsia (hypertension in pregnancy together with albuminuria) occurs in approximately 8% of pregnant women worldwide. Symptoms include headache, stomachache and nausea. Women may confuse these signs with the symptoms of pregnancy itself and thus not seek help in time. Most cases are mild, but sometimes preeclampsia can lead to serious complications for mother and baby.
The new study
Previous studies have shown that preeclampsia predisposes women to an increased chance of cardiovascular disease later in life. The new research confirms that this is true over time, with the increased risk starting early after birth.
Overall, women with preeclampsia were found to have four times the risk of heart attack and three times the risk of stroke within the next decade after giving birth, compared to women who did not experience gestational preeclampsia. The risk of heart attack or stroke remained doubled even after 20 years. In particular, women aged 30-39 with a history of pre-eclampsia had a five times greater risk of heart attack and three times greater risk of stroke compared to their peers without pre-eclampsia.
“The greatest risk of cardiovascular disease after preeclampsia occurs at young ages and relatively early postpartum. This suggests that interventions to prevent heart attacks and strokes in these women cannot wait until middle age,” said Dr Hallum.
Read the News today and get the latest news.
Follow Skai.gr on Google News and be the first to know all the news.
I have worked in the news industry for over 10 years. I have a vast amount of experience in covering health news. I am also an author at News Bulletin 247. I am highly experienced and knowledgeable in this field. I am a hard worker and always deliver quality work. I am a reliable source of information and always provide accurate information.
