Poor heart health linked to higher gestational diabetes risk in pregnancy, study finds

Women with poor cardiovascular health may be at a higher risk of developing gestational diabetes and coronary artery calcium (CAC) in midlife, according to a study. CAC refers to the buildup of calcium deposits in the walls of the coronary arteries, which supply blood to the heart. It is a significant indicator of heart disease risk.

The findings, published in JAMA Cardiology, suggest that gestational diabetes is a marker of pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health. It also underscores the importance of healthcare providers in helping patients improve their cardiovascular health both prior and after pregnancy.

Lead author Natalie Cameron, instructor in the Department of Medicine's Division of General Internal Medicine at Northwestern University, US, emphasized the need to optimize cardiovascular health early in life. The study analyzed patient data collected from 1985 to 2010, with over 1,000 participants included in the cohort, averaging 28.6 years of age.

Participants with poor pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health were more likely to experience gestational diabetes and develop CAC compared to those with better pre-pregnancy cardiovascular health. Cameron highlighted the importance of follow-up care with a primary care provider for patients with adverse pregnancy outcomes to optimize heart health post-pregnancy.

The researchers recommended enhancing postpartum primary care for women with adverse pregnancy outcomes to facilitate a smooth transition from obstetrics to primary care providers.

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