Preeclampsia Linked to Cardiovascular Problems After Pregnancy

Preeclampsia is the most common pregnancy complication that can prove hazardous to both, the expectant mother and the developing baby. When a woman’s blood pressure rises above the normal limit, during the course of pregnancy, along with an increase in protein levels in the urine, the medical condition is called preeclampsia. Women with a family history of preeclampsia are at a higher risk of getting preeclampsia. Women who already suffer from obesity, diabetes, hypertension, renal disorders, and autoimmune diseases also have a tendency to develop preeclampsia. In addition, women who have had preeclampsia during pregnancy are bound to develop the condition in subsequent pregnancies as well. Early preeclampsia may develop at a gestation period of 20 weeks but generally is seen at 32 weeks gestation. It may crop up within a six week period after delivery as well and the initial two days postpartum are crucial in diagnosing preeclampsia. In most cases, the condition is diagnosed before delivery.

Elevated blood pressure is the most obvious indicator of preeclampsia. Unusual swelling of the face, hands or feet are also noticed in women with preeclampsia. However, this is not all. Substances from the placenta are believed to be the cause of damage to the inner lining of the blood vessels in expectant women, prone to this condition. Kidney and liver damage in the expectant mother along with a narrowing of the blood vessels, especially the large arteries, the arterioles and veins, are silent effects of preeclampsia.

There is no known remedy for preeclampsia. Since it is connected with the placenta, the symptoms cease to exist only after the placenta is out of the body, possible only through the induction of labor or a C-section. However, the effects of this metabolic disorder continue to prevail in the body for months or even years after delivery. Studies show that the way the arteries react to insulin, in women who have had preeclampsia, is altered thus leading to an increased risk of diabetes which can lead to cardiovascular disorders. Besides, these women tend to put on more weight thus resulting in conditions like atherosclerosis, insulin resistance, impaired vasodilatation and changes in blood pressure and blood sugar levels. All these conditions are reasons for concern as they can result in cardiovascular disorders.

Since women who have had preeclampsia are more likely to gain weight later in life, keeping a check on diet and lifestyle is essential so as to prevent the conditions that can lead to cardiovascular disorders. Regular medicals checkups, especially to keep a check on blood sugar and blood pressure levels are highly recommended.