The study, conducted by researchers at the institution, highlights that women suffering from high blood pressure during pregnancy are more prone to cardiac complications compared to others. It emphasizes the long-term connection between this condition and future maternal health, according to ‘Medical Express’. Researchers analyzed records of more than 218,000 births for 157,000 patients across 22 hospitals affiliated with the institution between 2017 and 2024. They focused on diagnoses related to chronic hypertension and hypertension during pregnancy, including high blood pressure and preeclampsia, then followed the patients for 5 years to monitor cardiac diseases.
The study indicates that the severity of hypertension is directly linked to an increased likelihood of cardiac complications, with risks of heart failure increasing from 3 to 13 times, stroke from 2 to 17 times, heart attack from 3 to 7 times, coronary artery disease from 2 to 7 times, and mortality from 1.4 to 4 times compared to women without hypertension. It confirmed that women with chronic hypertension and preeclampsia face the greatest future cardiac risks, highlighting the need for careful monitoring before, during, and after pregnancy.
The study’s lead author, Kismet Rasmussen, a researcher in the institution’s advanced heart failure program, stated, “Cardiac risks extend to all women with hypertension, increasing in severe cases like preeclampsia,” noting that “many pregnant women remain unaware of these long-term risks.” The study pointed out that integrated care between medical departments allows for continuous support for women at risk of hypertension, enhancing early prevention of cardiac complications, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality rates among mothers.
The research team explained that raising awareness among patients and caregivers has become an urgent necessity, especially in severe cases of hypertension during pregnancy. They noted that this condition is associated with a wide range of health and social factors, complicating prevention and treatment and requiring careful monitoring of symptoms and laboratory tests.
Researchers stressed that comprehensive understanding of risk factors and employing multidisciplinary care teams represent the optimal solution to reducing long-term complications. They highlighted the importance of regular postpartum follow-up to assess any early cardiac developments, including recurring hypertension or new cardiovascular symptoms. Implementing precise follow-up protocols for women who experienced hypertension during pregnancy can reduce risks and improve long-term health outcomes.
The researchers emphasized that the findings serve as an important warning for health systems and should be translated into clear policies for postpartum maternal follow-up, including assessing cardiac risk factors, regular check-ups, dietary guidance, and a healthy lifestyle. The study called for integrating postpartum care into public health programs, focusing on women who experienced hypertension during pregnancy, to enhance early detection of complications and enable timely therapeutic intervention, considering this approach a crucial step to reducing chronic mortality among postpartum women.
