Study finds pregnancy complications may increase risk for artery disease

Women who experience pregnancy complications face an increased risk of developing peripheral artery disease later in life, according to a new UTHealth Houston study.

The findings were published in PLOS Medicine.

Using data from more than 2 million women in Sweden who gave birth to single babies between 1973 and 2015, the study led by Casey Crump, MD, PhD, MPH, analyzed long-term peripheral artery disease in women who experienced preterm delivery, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, or other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

“Our prior work has already shown that adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with long-term risks of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure,” said Crump, a professor in the Department of Family and Community Medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth Houston. “This study builds on that work by showing that these women have an increased risk of peripheral artery disease, an important but understudied cardiovascular condition.”

Peripheral artery disease is often a precursor for long-term heart complications such as stroke, ischemic heart disease, and even premature mortality. Affecting millions of people worldwide, peripheral artery disease occurs when arteries become narrowed, reducing blood flow, most often to the legs and feet. Those with the condition may have leg pain, cramps while walking, numbness, cold feet, or slow-healing sores on the feet or legs.

These findings are extremely important for women as they monitor their long-term health after pregnancy. Crump said that for women who experience these pregnancy complications, there is a crucial opportunity after birth to make plans with their primary care doctor to monitor these long-term risks.

Women who experienced complicated pregnancies should speak with their doctor about potential future cardiovascular health risks. Notably, screenings for blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol are key. And while the period after childbirth is an important time for women to monitor their health, it’s never too late to lower the risk for peripheral artery disease.

“Women with a history of adverse pregnancy outcomes who seem to be doing well may still have a higher risk that can emerge later in life,” Crump said. He also suggested taking other preventive steps such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and following a healthy lifestyle.

Crump emphasized the importance of long-term follow-up care and conversations with healthcare providers to help protect cardiovascular health later in life.

Co-authors on the study include Jingkai Wei, PhD, MSPH, with McGovern Medical School, and Jan Sundquist, MD, PhD, and Kristina Sundquist, MD, PhD, both with Lund University and Skåne University Hospital.