The benefit of looking at pregnancy as a natural stress test for the heart is that it can serve to alert the patient and care providers of possible issues to come. During pregnancy, there are changes in weight and there may also be changes in blood sugar and in blood pressure. Sometimes the blood sugar changes so much that the woman is diagnosed with gestational diabetes (diabetes that develops during pregnancy). This increases the risk of developing diabetes later in life, so it can serve as an alert to focus on managing risk factors for diabetes.
Other relevant conditions can develop during pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a condition in which the blood pressure rises significantly and causes damage to organs. During pregnancy, blood pressure can also increase without damaging organs. A baby born early or underweight can be a sign that the mother may be at increased risk of developing heart disease, heart failure or stroke later in life.* It is important for such eventualities to be shared with the healthcare professionals who are caring for the mother so that these early warning signs can be addressed to decrease future dangers.
Recently gathered information supports the importance of paying attention to these warnings. In 2016, the rate of gestational diabetes in the U.S. was 6%, with an increased risk of cardiovascular problems later in life. (In 2012 the rate was 0.4% lower.) Nearly 27% of maternal deaths are due to cardiovascular conditions.*
Women are usually under the care of a medical provider while pregnant. It is important to take note of the symptoms experienced during pregnancy to share with providers in the future. These conditions generally improve after the baby is born and can be easily forgotten or pushed aside. Instead, they should be recognized as possible indicators of increased risk of future cardiovascular problems.
