Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Feb 25: Women who develop hypertension at any stage during pregnancy may face a significantly higher risk of long-term high blood pressure later in life, according to recent research that highlights the lasting impact of pregnancy-related complications on cardiovascular health.

The study indicates that the timing of hypertension during pregnancy plays a crucial role in determining future health outcomes. Women who experience high blood pressure in early pregnancy are particularly vulnerable to developing chronic hypertension years after childbirth, compared to those who develop it later in gestation.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia, are already known to increase immediate risks for both mother and baby. However, emerging evidence suggests that these conditions may also serve as early warning signs of underlying cardiovascular susceptibility.

Researchers observed that women diagnosed with hypertension before 20 weeks of pregnancy showed a stronger association with persistent high blood pressure in midlife. Even those who developed hypertension in the later stages were found to carry an elevated risk compared to women with normotensive pregnancies.

Medical experts say the findings reinforce the need for long-term monitoring of women who experience hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Regular blood pressure screening, lifestyle modifications such as a balanced diet and physical activity, and early medical intervention can significantly reduce the likelihood of future cardiovascular complications.

The study also underlines the importance of integrating maternal health history into routine cardiovascular risk assessment. Obstetric complications, experts note, should not be viewed as isolated events but as indicators of a woman’s broader health trajectory.

With cardiovascular disease remaining a leading cause of mortality among women globally, researchers stress that early identification and preventive care could play a pivotal role in improving long-term outcomes for mothers.

The findings serve as a reminder that pregnancy offers a critical window into a woman’s future heart health, and timely intervention can make a lasting difference.