Pregnancy-associated cardiovascular risks and postpartum care; an opportunity for interventions aiming at health preservation and disease prevention

Nicole Wallin; Lina Bergman; Graeme N Smith

doi:10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102435

Pregnancy-associated cardiovascular risks and postpartum care; an opportunity for interventions aiming at health preservation and disease prevention

Best Pract Res Clin Obstet Gynaecol. 2024 Feb:92:102435. doi: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102435. Epub 2023 Nov 27.

Authors

Nicole Wallin¹, Lina Bergman², Graeme N Smith³

Affiliations

¹ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
² Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa; Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
³ Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Queen's University, Ontario, Canada. Electronic address: gns@queensu.ca.

PMID: 38048671
DOI: 10.1016/j.bpobgyn.2023.102435

Abstract

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of premature death and disability for female individuals around the world and the rates are increasing in those aged 35-44 years. Certain pregnancy complications (Pregnancy-associated Cardiovascular Risks (P-CVR))are linked to an increased risk of future CVD making pregnancy and the postpartum period as an ideal time to screen individuals for underlying, often unrecognized, cardiovascular risk factors. Pregnancy complications associated with an increased risk of future CVD including the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, gestational diabetes, idiopathic preterm birth, delivery of a growth restricted baby and a placental abruption that leads to delivery. A number of guidelines and research groups recommend postpartum CVR screening, counseling and lifestyle intervention for all those who have had one or more of P-CVRs starting within the first six months postpartum. An individualized plan for postpartum screening should be created with the individual and lifestyle interventions discussed.

Keywords: Cardiovascular disease; Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy; Lifestyle modification; Pregnancy complications; Risk screening.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Cardiovascular Diseases* / diagnosis
Cardiovascular Diseases* / etiology
Cardiovascular Diseases* / prevention & control
Female
Heart Disease Risk Factors
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Placenta
Postnatal Care
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications* / diagnosis
Pregnancy Complications* / prevention & control
Premature Birth* / prevention & control
Risk Factors