Cardiologist Rahool Karnik shares his recommendations on healthy pregnancy and heart risk factors to watch for.

A study from the University of New York showed that the risk of heart attack in pregnant women and recently pregnant women increased by 25% between 2002 and 2014. (Photo: Vasyl Dolmatov, Getty Images / iStockphoto)

As expectant mothers prepare for what will undoubtedly be the biggest day of their lives, many face a new challenge: heart problems.

A A study recently published by the New York University School of Medicine found that the risk of heart attacks among pregnant women and new mothers increased by 25% between 2002 and 2014.

The researchers examined nearly 50 million births and more than 55 million pregnancy-related hospitalizations. The troubling results showed:

  • Of the women who gave birth, 1,061 suffered a heart attack during labor and delivery, 922 during pregnancy and 2,390 in the six months following delivery.
  • In addition, 4.5% of pregnant women with a heart attack died.
  • Pregnant women in their forties were considered 10 times more at risk than 20-year-old women.

Why do pregnant women and new mothers have more heart attacks?

I believe that part of the reason for the increased rate of heart attacks in pregnant women is age. It is not uncommon for my fellow obstetricians and cardiologists and I to treat women in their late thirties and early forties who were waiting to have a child for a variety of reasons.

In addition to age, I think the increased incidence of obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol also contributes to this risk to the health of pregnant women. Hormonal changes and stress on the heart could also be the cause.

Although heart attacks are on the rise among pregnant women, it is important to note that the rate was very low at the time and that it remains so now. However, this does not mean that the problem is not a concern. Pregnant women should listen to their body and know the signs and symptoms that can trigger heart problems.

Some of the warning signs include:

  • Chest discomfort
  • breathlessness
  • Difficulty breathing while lying down
  • Swelling of the legs

Pregnancy is a complex disease and many of these symptoms may appear systematically because of the pregnancy itself. However, they can also be signs of serious heart problems. If the problems are severe enough, a doctor may recommend other tests, such as an electrocardiogram, or refer patients to a cardiologist for further evaluation.

What can pregnant women do to protect their hearts?

Leading a healthy lifestyle is the best way to protect the heart during pregnancy. If possible, change your lifestyle before becoming pregnant. Discuss your lifestyle with your doctor and follow some general guidelines:

  1. Choose healthy foods and monitor your weight gain with your doctor to make sure your weight is healthy.
  2. Avoid salt, which can increase blood pressure and cause bladder retention.
  3. Avoid alcohol and tobacco. Also avoid going to places where you may encounter second-hand smoke.
  4. Avoid caffeine as this could trigger irregular heartbeats.
  5. Take prenatal vitamins as prescribed by your doctor to make sure you consume enough nutrients.
  6. Stay active with moderate exercise as long as you can.
  7. Sleep at least eight hours each night.

Getting sleep during pregnancy is important but can prove difficult. If you can not have eight full hours each night, try taking naps during the day. (Photo: NataliaDeriabina, Getty Images / iStockphoto)

Many factors influence the ability to sleep well at night during pregnancy, including hormonal changes, lack of comfortable posture, wake-up at the bathroom, stress and anxiety related to pregnancy and motherhood. If you can not have eight full hours each night, try taking naps during the day. Long-term sleep deprivation can affect heart health.

Other factors to consider:

Talk to your doctor about getting a flu shot. Fighting a bad flu can tire your heart and your doctor may recommend it.

Avoid flying after 28 weeks. Most airlines require a doctor's note if you have to travel late in your pregnancy.

Follow your regular visits to the doctor.

Some women develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Although this is often temporary and does not leave enough time for the development of heart disease, this could be a risk factor for developing diabetes later in life. As such, it can identify women who are at increased risk for cardiovascular events later in life. Studies have indeed shown that women with gestational diabetes were at greater risk of developing cardiovascular events later in life, but that adopting a healthy lifestyle could help limit this risk. .

A new baby on the way is wonderful and worth celebrating. Take extra time to take care of your heart health so that you and your newborn can start your life in good health.

Dr. Rahool Karnik is a cardiologist and works on the Abrazo Arrowhead and Central campuses. Abrazo Arizona Heart Hospital.

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