Pregnant Women With High Blood Pressure May Be At Increased Risk For Cardiovascular Disease

Date: Apr-18-2013Women With High Blood Pressure May Be At Increased Risk For Cardiovascular Disease

Main Category: Pregnancy / Obstetrics

Also Included In: Hypertension;  Heart Disease

Article Date: 18 Apr 2013 - 0:00 PDT

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Pregnant Women With High Blood Pressure May Be At Increased Risk For Cardiovascular Disease


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Women with high blood pressure during pregnancy have an increased risk of high blood pressure even 40 years after maternity, which leads in turn to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This has been demonstrated by researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.

In a recent study, researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg examined 105 women who gave birth in the early 1970s. Half the women had elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, while the other half had a normal pregnancy.

The study shows that women who had elevated blood pressure during pregnancy were more frequently diagnosed with high blood pressure even 35 to 40 years later. The same women showed signs of increased stiffening of the arteries and some deterioration in the blood sugar balance.

"We can see that even a minor increase in blood pressure can be connected to some deterioration in the heart's structure and function in these women. Together, these findings can partly explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease," says Anna-Clara Collén, who reports the results in her thesis.

In order to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system after the menopause, women who have had high blood pressure during pregnancy should make an effort to regain normal blood pressure after pregnancy.

"This is about being physically active and avoiding overweight, for example. It is also important to have accurate and regular blood pressure check-ups," says Anna-Clara Collén.

The Gothenburg study also shows that the women who reported greater self-perceived stress in recent years had a larger waist circumference than those who reported less stress. A larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Courtesy: Medical News Today Note: Any medical information available in this news section is not intended as a substitute for informed medical advice and you should not take any action before consulting with a health care professional.