{"id":4530,"date":"2026-07-22T12:44:39","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T12:44:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lumeamara.online\/?p=4530"},"modified":"2026-07-22T12:44:47","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T12:44:47","slug":"pregnancy-complications-may-increase-risk-for-artery-disease-study-finds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lumeamara.online\/?p=4530","title":{"rendered":"Pregnancy complications may increase risk for artery disease, study finds"},"content":{"rendered":"

Pregnancy complications<\/a> may increase women\u2019s risk of peripheral artery disease later in life, new research suggests<\/h3>\n

The study analysed data from more than two million women in Sweden who gave birth to single babies between 1973 and 2015<\/p>\n

Led by Casey Crump, the research examined the long-term risk of peripheral artery disease among women who experienced preterm delivery, pre-eclampsia, gestational diabetes or other adverse pregnancy outcomes<\/p>\n

Crump, professor in the department of family and community medicine at McGovern Medical School at UTHealth<\/a> Houston, said: \u201cOur prior work has already shown that adverse pregnancy outcomes are associated with long-term risks of heart disease, stroke, and heart failure<\/p>\n

\u201cThis study builds on that work by showing that these women have an increased risk of peripheral artery disease, an important but understudied cardiovascular condition.\u201d<\/p>\n

Peripheral artery disease is often a precursor to long-term cardiovascular complications, including stroke, ischaemic heart disease and premature death<\/p>\n

The condition affects millions of people worldwide and occurs when narrowed arteries reduce blood flow, most commonly to the legs and feet<\/p>\n

Ischaemic heart disease occurs when the heart does not receive enough blood and oxygen, usually because the arteries have narrowed<\/p>\n

Symptoms of peripheral artery disease can include leg pain, cramps while walking, numbness, cold feet and sores on the feet or legs that are slow to heal<\/p>\n

Crump said women who experience pregnancy complications have an important opportunity after giving birth to make plans with their primary care doctor to monitor long-term risks<\/p>\n

Women who have experienced complicated pregnancies should speak with their doctor about possible future cardiovascular health risks<\/p>\n

Checks for blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol are important<\/p>\n

While the period after childbirth is an important time for women to monitor their health, Crump said it is never too late to lower the risk of peripheral artery disease<\/p>\n

He said: \u201cWomen with a history of adverse pregnancy<\/a> outcomes who seem to be doing well may still have a higher risk that can emerge later in life.\u201d<\/p>\n

Crump also suggested preventive steps such as avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight and following a healthy lifestyle<\/p>\n

He stressed the importance of long-term follow-up care and conversations with healthcare providers to help protect cardiovascular health later in life<\/p>\n

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