Cardiovascular Complications Affect 1 in 7 Pregnancies as Risk Factors Rise

Cardiovascular-related health problems may occur in as many as 1 out of every 7 pregnancies, even among people who don't already have heart disease, according to new research published in the American Heart Association's flagship journal Circulation. A review of more than 56,000 pregnancies occurring between 2001 and 2019 within the Mass General Brigham health care system found a steady rise in cardiovascular-related complications during pregnancy, with conditions such as heart attack, stroke, heart failure, blood clots, hypertensive disorders, and maternal death affecting approximately 15% of pregnancies.

The increasing prevalence of complications was driven by rising health risk factors present before and during pregnancy. Among study participants, obesity increased from 2% in 2001 to 16% in 2019, high blood pressure rose from 3% to 12%, high cholesterol increased from 3% to 10%, and diabetes grew from 1% to 3%. The increase in complications was most pronounced among individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions but was observed across all age groups and even among those without prior health issues.

"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 and executive director of the Katz Institute for Women's Health of Northwell Health in New York City. The full study can be found here.

This research highlights the critical importance of cardiovascular health management throughout the reproductive journey. The findings suggest that engaging with health care providers before, during and after pregnancy is essential to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby. Rosen emphasized that starting before pregnancy and continuing after birth, there are valuable opportunities to make heart-healthy choices that can help prevent cardiovascular disease and support long-term wellness.

The study's implications extend beyond individual health outcomes to broader public health concerns. With cardiovascular complications affecting such a significant portion of pregnancies, there is growing need for increased awareness and preventive care strategies. The American Heart Association provides additional resources through their website at heart.org, offering educational materials and tools to support maternal cardiovascular health. The steady increase in risk factors over the two-decade study period underscores the urgency of addressing these modifiable health conditions through comprehensive care approaches.