It has already been proven that pregnancy-related hypertension leads to a number of negative health consequences later in life, including more bothersome menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes, the risk of dementia, kidney problems and stroke. A new study suggests it may also lead to cardiovascular disease during menopause. The study results will be presented at The Menopause Society’s 2024 annual meeting in Chicago, September 10-14.
In the new study of nearly 400 women with a mean age of 81.6 years, researchers sought to assess the association between a self-reported history of preeclampsia or eclampsia, gestational hypertension and gestational diabetes with cardiovascular outcomes in postmenopausal women.
What they found is that a self-reported history of gestational hypertension was associated with cardiovascular disease. Women with preeclampsia or all three adverse pregnancy outcomes also had a numerically higher prevalence of heart disease, but this did not meet standards of statistical significance. No link was found between gestational diabetes and heart disease.
Future research based on a larger sample size is needed to better understand the role that adverse pregnancy outcomes may have in the development of cardiovascular disease and risk stratification.”
Marie Tan, lead author from Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia
More detailed results will be discussed at the Menopause Society 2024 Annual Meeting as part of the presentation entitled “The Association Between Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes and Cardiovascular Disease in Menopausal Women: Results from a Cross-Sectional Analysis.”
“Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of women and it is important to study new risk factors,” said Dr. Stephanie Faubion, medical director of The Menopause Society. “While future research is still needed, studies like these are important and remind us to thoroughly discuss a patient’s health history, including any complications or adverse effects during pregnancy.”
Marie Tan and Dr. Faubion are available for interviews prior to the annual meeting.