Cardiovascular Complications Affect 15% of Pregnancies, Study Finds Rising Risk Factors
TL;DR
Proactive pre-pregnancy health assessments provide a strategic advantage by significantly reducing cardiovascular complications that affect 15% of pregnancies.
A 20-year study of 56,000 pregnancies found cardiovascular complications rose from increasing obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cholesterol levels over time.
Early healthcare engagement before and during pregnancy creates healthier outcomes for mothers and babies, building stronger families and communities.
Cardiovascular issues now impact one in seven pregnancies, with obesity rates jumping from 2% to 16% over two decades.
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A comprehensive review of medical records for more than 56,000 pregnancies over a 20-year period found that cardiovascular-related complications affect approximately 15% of pregnancies, according to research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation. The study, which examined pregnancies occurring between 2001 and 2019 within the Mass General Brigham health care system in New England, documented a steady rise in cardiovascular complications during pregnancy, with conditions including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, hypertensive disorders, and maternal death.
The increasing prevalence of complications was driven by rising health risk factors present before and during pregnancy. Among study participants, obesity increased dramatically from 2% in 2001 to 16% in 2019. High blood pressure showed a significant increase from 3% to 12% over the same period, while high cholesterol rose from 3% to 10%. Diabetes, though showing a smaller percentage increase, still climbed from 1% to 3% among pregnant individuals. The full study can be found at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.067512.
Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women's health at Northwell Health, emphasized that most of these health risk factors can be prevented through lifestyle changes or medication. Many patients remain unaware they have these conditions or that they're at risk, highlighting the importance of early intervention. The increase in complications was most pronounced among individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions but was observed across all age groups and even among those without prior health issues.
The implications of these findings extend beyond individual health outcomes to broader public health concerns. With cardiovascular complications affecting as many as 1 out of every 7 pregnancies, there is growing recognition of the need for comprehensive care throughout the reproductive journey. The American Heart Association provides additional resources and financial information at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/statements-and-policies/financial-information. The organization maintains strict policies to ensure scientific integrity, with more than 85% of its revenue coming from sources other than corporations.
Medical experts stress that engaging with health care providers before, during, and after pregnancy is critical to ensuring optimal health for both mother and baby. The postpartum period carries important health considerations that should not be overlooked. 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. These findings underscore the importance of proactive health management and early risk assessment for individuals considering pregnancy.
Curated from NewMediaWire
