Study Reveals Many Americans Ignorant of Long-Term Heart Disease Risks Linked to Pregnancy

Key Takeaways

Many Americans unaware of pregnancy-related heart disease risks.
Common symptoms like fatigue and nausea often dismissed.
Preeclampsia is linked to higher heart disease risk.
Postpartum care is crucial for affected patients.
Research ongoing on postpartum blood pressure control.

New York, Feb 6 (NationPress) A significant number of Americans remain unaware of the long-term risks associated with heart disease during pregnancy and the essential care required before, during, and after pregnancy, according to a new national survey released on Thursday.

Conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, the survey revealed that many individuals perceive symptoms such as fatigue (73 percent) and nausea (65 percent) as typical during and post-pregnancy, while half would not regard fluid retention or upper back or neck discomfort as a medical issue.

However, these symptoms may indicate underlying heart issues such as hypertension (high blood pressure), cardiomyopathy (a condition where the heart struggles to pump effectively), or preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related disorder leading to increased blood pressure.

Throughout pregnancy, numerous hormonal changes occur to support the growth of the baby and the health of the mother.

As a result, the mother’s heart rate rises alongside the volume of fluid in her body. This can impose strain on the heart, compounded by the physical challenges of labor and delivery,” explained Lauren Hassen, a cardiologist and clinical assistant professor at the university’s College of Medicine.

Hassen emphasized the importance of patients discussing any pre-existing health conditions with their physician prior to conception, as well as any health alterations during or after pregnancy.

“There are complications that may arise during pregnancy referred to as adverse pregnancy outcomes, including gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and pre-term delivery. Each of these conditions heightens the long-term risk for heart disease,” Hassen noted.

Preeclampsia has been correlated with an increased likelihood of heart disease and stroke.

Patients experiencing this condition may develop heart disease a decade earlier than their counterparts, highlighting the necessity for vigilant monitoring, underscoring the importance of postpartum care for this and related disorders, Hassen stated.

Hassen is currently collaborating with a team from Ohio State to investigate various strategies for postpartum blood pressure management as part of a $12.5 million, three-state research initiative.