Pregnancy Complications Linked to Heightened Risk of Heart Disease and Stroke in Later Life
Published:05 Jan.2021 Source:BMJ
Pregnancy complications such as miscarriage, pre-eclampsia, diabetes in pregnancy (gestational diabetes) and pre-term birth are linked to a heightened risk of heart disease in later life, suggests an overarching (umbrella) analysis of data published by The BMJ today.
Several other factors related to fertility and pregnancy also seem to be associated with subsequent cardiovascular disease, say the researchers, including starting periods early, use of combined oral contraceptives, polycystic ovary syndrome, and early menopause. However, a longer length of breastfeeding was associated with a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease.