Women with Poor Heart Health at Higher Risk of Gestational Diabetes and Heart Disease: Study
New Delhi: Women with poor heart health before pregnancy may face a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes and heart disease later in life, according to a new study published in JAMA Cardiology.
Gestational diabetes is a condition that can develop during pregnancy and usually goes away after delivery. However, this study highlights that it may also be a warning sign of poor cardiovascular health before pregnancy—and a predictor of heart problems in midlife.
One of the key indicators of future heart disease is coronary artery calcium (CAC), which refers to the buildup of calcium in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart. A higher amount of CAC is linked to a greater risk of heart disease.
The study was led by Natalie Cameron, an instructor at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in the US. Researchers analyzed health data from over 1,000 women who had at least one pregnancy between 1985 and 2010. The average age of participants was 28.6 years, and none had diabetes before pregnancy.
The findings revealed that women with poor cardiovascular health before pregnancy were more likely to
Develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy
Show signs of coronary artery calcium in midlife
"We need to optimize cardiovascular health early in life," said Cameron. She emphasized the importance of healthcare providers taking a detailed pregnancy history and paying attention to lifestyle factors like diet and physical activity.
The study also urges improvements in postpartum care. After giving birth, especially after a complicated pregnancy, women should receive proper follow-up care from a primary care provider to help monitor and improve their heart health.
"Patients with gestational diabetes and other pregnancy complications need long-term support to reduce their risk of heart disease," Cameron added.
The researchers called for better coordination between obstetricians and primary care providers to ensure ongoing heart health care after pregnancy.