Cardiovascular Complications Affect 1 in 7 Pregnancies, Study Finds

Cardiovascular-related health problems may occur in as many as 1 out of every 7 pregnancies, even among individuals without pre-existing heart conditions, according to new research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation. A comprehensive review of more than 56,000 pregnancies occurring between 2001 and 2019 within the Mass General Brigham health care system revealed that approximately 15% of pregnancies were affected by cardiovascular complications including heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, hypertensive disorders, and maternal death.

The study documented a steady rise in cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy over the two-decade period. While the increase was most pronounced among individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions, researchers observed concerning trends across all age groups and even among those without prior health issues. This widespread pattern underscores the growing public health challenge of maternal cardiovascular health and suggests systemic factors beyond individual medical histories.

The rising complication rates were strongly correlated with increasing prevalence of cardiovascular risk factors present before and during pregnancy. Obesity rates among study participants surged from 2% in 2001 to 16% in 2019, while high blood pressure increased from 3% to 12% over the same period. High cholesterol levels rose from 3% to 10%, and diabetes increased from 1% to 3%. These dramatic increases in modifiable risk factors highlight the critical need for preventive healthcare interventions targeting women of reproductive age.

"Most of these health risk factors can be prevented through lifestyle changes or medication. Yet, many of my patients aren't even aware they have these conditions or that they're at risk," said Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., FAHA, volunteer president of the American Heart Association and senior vice president of women's health at Northwell Health. The full study can be found at https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.125.067512. Rosen emphasized the importance of proactive healthcare engagement throughout the reproductive journey, noting that "if you're planning to become pregnant, I strongly encourage you to connect with a clinician early to understand your risks and take steps to reduce them."

The research findings carry significant implications for healthcare systems, policymakers, and individuals considering pregnancy. With cardiovascular complications affecting such a substantial portion of pregnancies, there is urgent need for enhanced screening protocols, improved patient education, and targeted interventions addressing modifiable risk factors. The study also highlights the importance of continuous care beyond delivery, as Rosen noted "don't overlook the postpartum period, which also carries important health considerations." Overall financial information about the American Heart Association is available at https://www.heart.org/en/about-us/statements-and-policies/financial-information.

This research represents one of the largest longitudinal studies examining cardiovascular complications in pregnancy and provides crucial data for developing evidence-based guidelines to improve maternal outcomes. The findings suggest that addressing cardiovascular risk factors before conception may be key to reducing pregnancy-related complications and supporting long-term cardiovascular health for mothers. As complication rates continue to rise, healthcare providers and public health officials face increasing pressure to implement effective prevention strategies that can reverse these troubling trends.