Pregnancy may increase risk of heart disease: study

Beijing: A new study indicates that women who have given birth are more likely to develop heart disease and stroke than those without children. Previous studies have shown that women usually have changes in their vascular properties, blood volume, and heart rate during pregnancy. However, the impact of pregnancy on subsequent heart disease has been debated.

In the new study, a team from the Huazhong University of Science and Technology in China examined 10 studies. It has involved nearly three million women worldwide and more than 150,000 people have been diagnosed with heart disease or stroke over the next six to 52 years.

The findings, published in the journal European Society of Cardiology, showed that the risk of heart attacks and strokes was 14% higher during childbirth. In addition, there was a significant badociation between the number of pregnancies and the risk of cardiovascular disease.

The incidence of cardiovascular disease in women increased by 4% each time they gave birth, regardless of weight, diabetes, hypertension, smoking and income. Each delivery increased the risk of coronary heart disease by 5% and strokes by 3%, the researchers said.

According to Wang Dongming, a senior researcher at the university, pregnancy could cause inflammation of the body and accumulation of adipose tissue around the abdomen, in the blood and arteries.

These changes can have a permanent impact on the cardiovascular system, resulting in an increased risk of heart disease and stroke. However, he said that women could do a lot to prevent cardiovascular disease.

Researchers suggested quitting, exercising, eating a healthy diet and controlling weight to improve future health.