Poor heart health during pregnancy may increase the risk of diabetes and heart disease: Study.
New Delhi – According to a recent research, women who do not have good heart health before pregnancy are not only at a higher risk of gestational diabetes, but they may also suffer from serious heart problems, such as coronary artery calcium (CAC) deposition later.
CAC i.e. coronary artery calcium, is the deposition of calcium in the arteries that carry blood to the heart. It is an important indicator that a person may be at risk of heart disease in the future.
This study has been published in the prestigious medical journal JAMA Cardiology, and it has revealed that gestational diabetes, diabetes often detected for the first time during pregnancy, can be a possible sign of pre-pregnancy heart health. This also makes it clear that women need to pay special attention to heart health during and after pregnancy.
Dr. Natalie Cameron, a specialist in the General Internal Medicine Division at Northwestern University in the US and lead author of the study, said,
“We need to improve women’s heart health from the beginning of life to avoid complications in the future.”
The study analyzed data collected between 1985 and 2010. It included more than 1,000 women whose average age was about 28.6 years. The special thing was that all of these women had given birth to a child normally at least once and did not have diabetes before pregnancy.
The research found that women whose heart health was good before pregnancy had a relatively low risk of gestational diabetes and later heart diseases. Whereas women who had poor heart health were more likely to develop diabetes during pregnancy and CAC later.
Dr Cameron further added,
“Women who have gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications need regular medical care even after delivery so that we can improve their heart health in the future.”
He stressed that doctors should take a complete medical history of pregnant women, talk to them about their diet, physical activity and lifestyle habits, so that potential heart disease risks can be identified in time.
The study also recommended that the primary care system after pregnancy should be strengthened, so that women can easily connect with their regular doctor after delivery and maintain their long-term heart health.
Introduction
Pregnancy is a very important and sensitive phase of a woman’s life. During this period, not only a new life is created, but many types of biological, hormonal and mental changes also occur in the woman’s body. If a woman’s heart health is weak during these changes, it not only causes complications during pregnancy, but also increases the risk of serious diseases in the future.
According to a recently published study, if a woman’s heart health is poor before pregnancy, then not only is she at risk of gestational diabetes, but she is also more likely to have calcium deposits in the arteries of the heart (Coronary Artery Calcium – CAC). This is an indication that the woman may be vulnerable to heart diseases in the future.
This article has been prepared to understand this topic in depth, clarify the major findings of the study, expert opinion and steps that can be taken towards solving this problem.
Relation between pregnancy and heart health
During pregnancy, the pressure on the heart in a woman’s body increases a lot. At this time the heart has to pump more blood than normal, which tests the functionality of the cardiovascular system. If the woman’s heart health is already weak, it can complicate the pregnancy. It can also prove to be a danger signal for the future.
What is gestational diabetes.
Gestational diabetes is a temporary type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy and in most cases ends after delivery. But it can lead a woman to type-2 diabetes and heart disease in the coming years.
Introduction to the study
An important research published on this subject has been published in a famous medical journal called JAMA Cardiology. This study was led by Dr. Natalie Cameron, a specialist in the General Internal Medicine Division of Northwestern University, America. The purpose of the study was to know to what extent the heart health of a woman before pregnancy affects diabetes and future heart diseases during pregnancy.
Methodology of the study
This study was based on data collected between 1985 and 2010.
It included more than 1,000 women, whose average age was about 28.6 years.
All these women had given birth to a child normally at least once and were not suffering from diabetes before pregnancy.
Major findings of the study
1. Relationship between poor heart health and gestational diabetes
The research found that women whose heart health was poor before pregnancy were more likely to have gestational diabetes. This means that poor heart condition already indicates metabolic imbalance in the body.
2. CAC i.e. coronary artery calcium deposition
Women who were not in good heart health before pregnancy were found to have more CAC deposition. CAC i.e. coronary artery calcium, is a condition in which calcium starts accumulating in the arteries of the heart. It is an early sign of the risk of heart disease.
3. Long-term effects
The study also made it clear that pregnancy is not just a temporary condition, but it can have an impact on a woman’s entire life. The combination of gestational diabetes and poor heart health can lead to type-2 diabetes, heart attack, stroke and other heart-related complications in the future.
Experts’ opinion
Dr. Natalie Cameron said about this research:
“We need to improve women’s heart health from the beginning of life to avoid complications in the future.”
She also said that:
“Women who have gestational diabetes or other pregnancy complications need regular medical care even after delivery.”
Factors measuring heart health before pregnancy
1. Blood pressure
2. Cholesterol level
3. BMI (Body Mass Index)
4. Physical activity and exercise habits
5. Smoking and alcohol consumption
6. Quality of sleep
7. Stress level
If a woman starts taking care of all these things before pregnancy, not only will the pregnancy be healthy, but heart and diabetes related problems can also be avoided in the future.
Importance of postpartum care
This study also indicated that we need to strengthen the postpartum care system. In countries like India, often the medical attention of the woman after delivery decreases, which is a matter of concern.
What should be included in postpartum care?
Regular blood pressure and blood sugar checkups
Consultation with a cardiologist and endocrinologist
Healthy diet and exercise
Weight monitoring
Stress management
Social implications of this study
The findings of this research are not limited to the medical field. Its social impact is also very deep. This study suggests that:
Women’s health should not be looked at only during pregnancy, but should be planned throughout life.
Pre-pregnancy checkups and awareness should be given priority in public health policy.
Women in rural areas should be educated about heart and diabetes.
Role of government and society
1. Pre-conception checkup facilities should be available at primary health centers.
2. ASHA workers and health officers should make women aware about heart health.
3. Heart and diabetes checkups should be included in health insurance plans.
4. Women should be informed about lifestyle diseases at school and college level.
Suggestions for women health
If you are planning to conceive or you are a young woman, then definitely follow these suggestions:
1. Get your blood pressure and blood sugar checked regularly.
2. Avoid fatty foods and take a fiber-rich diet.
3. Stay away from smoking and alcohol.
4. Exercise at least 30 minutes daily.
5. Get enough sleep and avoid stress.
This research has made it clear that women’s heart health before pregnancy directly affects their and their children’s health in the future. Both gestational diabetes and coronary artery calcium deposits are signs that we should pay attention to checking our lifestyle, diet and health in time.
By taking timely steps, we can not only make our pregnancy safe but also avoid long-term complications like diabetes and heart disease. Therefore, this is not just a matter of one woman’s health, but a big step towards keeping the future of a generation healthy.
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