Pregnancy complications might increase risk of heart disease

Preterm delivery is one of the five pregnancy complications that have been linked with an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease for the mother decades after delivery. — Filepic

Women who experience any of five major pregnancy complications, e.g. preterm birth and pre-eclampsia, show an increased risk of ischaemic heart disease up to 46 years after delivery, finds a study from Sweden published by The BMJ on Feb 1 (2023).

The researchers say all major adverse pregnancy outcomes should be recognised as lifelong risk factors for ischaemic heart disease and women should be offered appropriate care to help prevent its development.