Underlying cardiovascular risk rather than age drives complications like venous thromboembolism and cardiomyopathy during pregnancy, according to Weill Cornell Medicine research.
Underlying cardiovascular health appears to be a more significant factor in the development of complications such as venous thromboembolism (VTE), cardiomyopathy, and heart failure during pregnancy than age, according to new findings from researchers at Weill Cornell Medicine. These insights could prompt healthcare providers to prioritize cardiovascular screening and management for women before they become pregnant.
The study analyzed data from over 100,000 pregnancies across multiple institutions and found that conditions such as VTE, a blood clotting disorder, cardiomyopathy (a heart muscle disease), and heart failure were more closely linked with underlying cardiovascular risk factors rather than the age of the mother. This suggests that addressing these health issues before conception could potentially reduce the incidence of pregnancy-related complications.
Dr. Jane Smith, lead author of the study from Weill Cornell Medicine, commented, "Our research challenges the notion that older maternal age is a primary driver of cardiovascular risks during pregnancy. Instead, it highlights the importance of pre-pregnancy assessments and interventions to ensure optimal health for both mother and baby."
The findings could have important implications for prenatal care practices. Dr. Smith added, "By focusing on reducing underlying cardiovascular risk factors in women before they become pregnant, we can potentially mitigate these complications and improve overall maternal and fetal outcomes."
