FAQ: Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Pregnancy Complications
Summary
Cardiovascular complications affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, with rising prevalence driven by increasing risk factors like obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol. Engaging with healthcare providers before, during, and after pregnancy is critical for optimizing maternal and infant health outcomes.
What is the main finding of this research on pregnancy and cardiovascular health?
The research found that cardiovascular-related complications affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, with conditions including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, hypertensive disorders, and maternal death.
How has the prevalence of cardiovascular complications during pregnancy changed over time?
There has been a steady rise in cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy between 2001 and 2019, with the increase most pronounced among individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions but observed across all age groups.
What specific risk factors are driving the increase in pregnancy complications?
The increase is driven by rising rates of obesity (from 2% to 16%), high blood pressure (from 3% to 12%), high cholesterol (from 3% to 10%), and diabetes (from 1% to 3%) among study participants between 2001 and 2019.
Who conducted this research and where was it published?
The research was published in the American Heart Association’s flagship journal Circulation and involved a review of medical records from the Mass General Brigham health care system in New England.
What time period does this research cover?
The study reviewed more than 56,000 pregnancies occurring between 2001 and 2019.
What advice do experts provide for people planning pregnancy?
Experts strongly recommend connecting with a clinician early to understand risks and take steps to reduce them, staying proactive about health during pregnancy, and not overlooking the postpartum period, which also carries important health considerations.
Can these cardiovascular risk factors be prevented or managed?
Most of these health risk factors can be prevented through lifestyle changes or medication, and there are valuable opportunities to make heart-healthy choices before pregnancy, during pregnancy, and after birth.
Where can I find the full study for more detailed information?
The full study can be found at the American Heart Association’s Circulation journal website: https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.074692
What types of cardiovascular complications were studied?
The study examined complications including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, hypertension-related conditions, and maternal death.
Why is the postpartum period important for cardiovascular health?
The postpartum period carries important health considerations and provides opportunities to make heart-healthy choices that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and support long-term wellness.
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