Maternal obesity predicts heart disease risk better than pregnancy problems: Study
Key Highlights :
Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes have recently been linked to an increased risk of developing heart disease later in life. A new Northwestern Medicine study, however, discovered that obesity before or during pregnancy is the true root cause of future cardiovascular illness. The findings of this study indicate that pre-pregnancy obesity is the real cause of both poor pregnancy outcomes and future cardiovascular disease risk.
Obesity is one of the most common health issues in the world and is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Pregnancy is a time when women are more likely to gain weight, and it is often difficult to lose this weight after the baby is born. Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes are two pregnancy-related conditions that can increase the risk of developing heart disease in later life.
The Northwestern Medicine study was the first to address the question of whether obesity or pregnancy problems play a greater effect in cardiovascular disease risk years after pregnancy. The study used data from the nuMoM2b Heart Health Study to follow 4,216 first-time pregnant individuals from the early stages of their pregnancy to an average of 3.7 years postpartum.
At the early-pregnancy first study visit, the average maternal age was 27 years old, and 53% had a normal body mass index (BMI), 25% were overweight and 22% had obesity. Compared to those with a normal BMI in early pregnancy, individuals with overweight or obese BMI had a higher risk of developing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.
The findings of the study concluded that adverse pregnancy outcomes are primarily indicators -- and not the root cause -- of future heart health. This means that pregnancy just reveals the risk for heart disease that is already there. The study further revealed that pre-pregnancy obesity is the culprit or cause of risk and that interventions should be targeted at this stage.
The concept of the “Zero trimester,” or pre-pregnancy health, has been gaining traction in recent years. By improving health during this critical time in an individual's life, they can improve outcomes for not only their pregnancy and baby but for their personal long-term health. However, it can be difficult to target people before becoming pregnant, Khan said.
So, early in the pregnancy may be an opportune time to counsel on heart-healthy habits like diet and exercise when people are more likely to be interacting with clinicians during prenatal visits. Pregnant individuals can safely limit their weight gain throughout pregnancy by eating healthy and exercising moderately or even vigorously.
The study highlights the importance of maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy in order to reduce the risk of developing heart disease later in life. It also emphasizes the importance of early interventions and counseling to ensure a healthy pregnancy and postpartum period.
By understanding the link between pre-pregnancy obesity and the risk of developing heart disease later in life, healthcare providers can better equip individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices and reduce their risk of cardiovascular illness.
Key Takeaways:
• A recent Northwestern Medicine study found that pre-pregnancy obesity is the true root cause of future cardiovascular illness.
• The study concluded that adverse pregnancy outcomes are primarily indicators -- and not the root cause -- of future heart health.
• Early interventions and counseling during the prenatal period are essential for reducing the risk of developing heart disease later in life.
• Maintaining a healthy weight before and during pregnancy is key for reducing the risk of cardiovascular illness.
