Washington: Women with raised blood pressure in pregnancy have an increased risk of high blood pressure even 40 years after maternity, which leads in turn to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, a recent study has found.
Researchers at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg examined 105 women who gave birth in the early 1970s. Half the women had elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, while the other half had a normal pregnancy.
The study found that women who had elevated blood pressure during pregnancy were more frequently diagnosed with high blood pressure even 35 to 40 years later. The same women showed signs of increased stiffening of the arteries and some deterioration in the blood sugar balance.
"We can see that even a minor increase in blood pressure can be connected to some deterioration in the heart`s structure and function in these women. Together, these findings can partly explain the increased risk of cardiovascular disease," said Anna-Clara Collen, who reports the results in her thesis.
In order to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system after the menopause, women who have had high blood pressure during pregnancy should make an effort to regain normal blood pressure after pregnancy.
"This is about being physically active and avoiding overweight, for example. It is also important to have accurate and regular blood pressure check-ups," said Collen.
The Gothenburg study also found that the women who reported greater self-perceived stress in recent years had a larger waist circumference than those who reported less stress. A larger waist circumference is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
ANI
