CNN Indonesia
Tuesday, 21 Feb 2023 12:05 WIB
Illustration. Studies have found that complications during pregnancy can increase the risk of heart disease. (Istockphoto/ Simarik)
Jakarta, CNN Indonesia —
A recent study found a complication when pregnancy could increase the risk heart disease in women. This risk will begin to be felt 10 years after the birth process.
Studies published in British Medical Journal (BMJ) analyzed more than 2 million Swedish women without a history of heart disease who gave birth to one baby during the period 1973-2015.
About 30 percent of women experience adverse complications during pregnancy. They show an increased risk of heart disease.
Gestational diabetes was found to increase the risk of heart disease by 54 percent. While preeclampsia increases the risk by up to 30 percent. Meanwhile, other high blood pressure disorders during pregnancy can double the risk.
Not only that, giving birth prematurely (before 37 weeks) was also found to increase the risk by up to 72 percent. Giving birth to a baby with low birth weight can increase the risk by up to 10 percent.
“The results of this study may help identify high-risk women earlier and enable appropriate interventions to prevent developing heart disease,” said study co-author Casey Crump. CNN.
This study adds to the growing body of evidence that pregnancy provides important information about a woman’s cardiovascular health risks.
However, studies cannot determine a cause-and-effect relationship between complications during pregnancy and heart disease.
However, experts agree that “harmful” pregnancies or those with complications can cause changes in blood vessels. This could increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in women.
“What happens to a woman during pregnancy is almost like a stress test or a marker of cardiovascular risk in the future after pregnancy. And unfortunately, many women are not told this by anyone,” said cardiologist Professor Tara Narula, who was not involved in the study. .
How to lower your risk of heart disease after pregnancy
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About 1 in 3 women is said to have an ‘unfavorable’ pregnancy or one accompanied by complications. Improving your health before pregnancy can help you to avoid this problem.
“You have to start with preconception, so get your body and yourself at your healthiest before you even get pregnant,” says Narula.
For example, maintaining a healthy weight and eating well. Don’t forget to exercise regularly too.
Controlling blood pressure and blood sugar is equally good for preparing for a safe pregnancy. You are also advised to quit smoking and avoid excess stress.
In addition, you are also advised to do post-natal checks at least 6-8 weeks after giving birth.
(del/asr)
