Women with preeclampsia more likely to develop CVD risk factors

Women diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy are significantly more likely to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD) including high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol, according to a new study to be presented at the American College of Cardiology’s 67th Annual Scientific Session.

Though previous studies found women who had preeclampsia during pregnancy possessed a higher risk of CVD later in life, researchers for this study specifically sought to assess whether women diagnosed with preeclampsia during pregnancy exhibited risk factors for CVD earlier in life. They also looked to see if the women followed-up with a primary care physician after a preeclampsia diagnosis.

The researchers assessed health records of more than 650 women treated at Allegheny Health Network over five years. Half of the study cohort was diagnosed with preeclampsia. The other half, who were of the same age and racial composition and never received a preeclampsia diagnosis, were the control group. Follow-up health information was available for only 250 of the women diagnosed with preeclampsia.

Researchers noted women diagnosed with preeclampsia around the time of delivery had higher rates of obesity, preterm delivery, babies with low birth weight and post-delivery complications.

Of the women diagnosed with preeclampsia:

• 32 percent were likely to develop high blood pressure, compared to less than 1 percent of the control group.
• 21 percent developed diabetes; no one developed it in the control group.
• 3 percent were more likely to develop high cholesterol; no one developed it in the control group.

Additionally, black and older women and those who exhibited a prior history of high blood pressure or diabetes had an elevated risk of high blood pressure following preeclampsia.

Of those who had follow-up visits with a primary care physician after a preeclampsia diagnosis, only one patient’s chart noted the physician was aware of the diagnosis and had mentioned long-term follow up for CVD.

“As providers, we’re missing the boat if we’re not adequately following up with these patients on their cardiovascular risk factors,” said lead author Karlee Hoffman, DO, cardiology fellow at Allegheny Health Network and colleagues. “Women are highly motivated to take care of themselves when they are pregnant and after they deliver their babies, so it’s a great time to educate them on long-term cardiovascular risks and potentially intervene with aggressive lifestyle modification.”