woman speaks to healthcare provider
ljubaphoto/iStock/Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Keeping on top of your heart health postpartum

We all need to pay attention to our heart health. Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and two of every three women have at least one major risk factor. 

People who’ve had complications during pregnancy, including hypertension, preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, preterm delivery, delivering a baby that’s small for gestational age, pregnancy loss, or placental abruption, have a higher risk of developing heart disease. People who’ve had preeclampsia, for example, are three-to-four times more likely to develop high blood pressure, and they have twice the risk of heart disease or stroke. Those who have experienced multiple pregnancy complications may have even higher risks. Researchers don’t know if pregnancy complications cause changes in the body that increase the risk of heart disease or if complications are signs that the risks are already there. 

In addition to pregnancy complications, many women have other conditions that increase heart health risks, including chronic inflammatory diseases and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or HIV/AIDS infection. A family history of heart disease also raises your risks. 

This all may sound scary, but knowing your risks can be beneficial. Heart disease takes decades to develop, so if you know you are at higher risk, you can make lifestyle changes now to protect your health in the future. Early intervention is key so you can take steps to manage your health.

Simple steps for monitoring your heart health 

Postpartum is an ideal time to focus on heart health, especially if you’ve had pregnancy complications. Here’s what you can do:

  • Make a plan with your doctor. To start, talk with your OBGYN during your postpartum visit about your health risks. Within a year of giving birth, you’ll also want to see your primary care provider and make sure you update them about any pregnancy complications. Your healthcare provider is there to guide and support you, so don’t hesitate to talk with them about how you’ll monitor your heart and blood vessel health going forward.
  • Share your family history. In addition to pregnancy health, share your family heart-health history with your provider. If high blood pressure, diabetes or heart disease runs in your family, your own risk is higher, too. 
  • Know your numbers. Keep up-to-date on important heart-health-related tests and know your numbers so you can spot changes early. Key tests include blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood glucose/ hemoglobin A1C.
  • Make lifestyle changes to lower your risks. You can nurture your heart health by eating well, getting enough sleep, being physically active, maintaining a healthy weight, and quitting smoking. Talk with your healthcare provider if you need support.


Reviewed by the Ovia Health Clinical Team

Sources:

Get the Ovia Fertility app
Get our app at the Apple App Store Get our app at the Apple App Store Get our app at the Google Play Store Get our app at the Google Play Store