Pregnancy Complications as a Window to Future Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiol Rev. 2020 Jan/Feb;28(1):14-19. doi: 10.1097/CRD.0000000000000253.

Abstract

Pregnancy is a time of significant hemodynamic, metabolic, and hormonal stress that can unmask underlying subclinical cardiovascular abnormalities, and pregnancy-related complications may serve as early warning signs for future risk of cardiovascular disease. The increased recognition of these sex-specific risk factors could identify women who may benefit from more intensive risk factor modification to reduce morbidity and mortality later in life. In this review, we describe several pregnancy-related complications that have been associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, including hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes mellitus, preterm delivery, and pregnancy loss. Pregnancy-associated risk factors must be identified to fully assess a woman's future cardiovascular risk and may influence strategies for risk reduction.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Cardiovascular Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control
  • Diabetes, Gestational
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Pregnancy Complications*
  • Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular
  • Premature Birth
  • Risk Factors