Mia's Feed
Medical News & Research

Prepregnancy Obesity and Pregnancy Outcomes Influence Midlife Cardiovascular Risk

Prepregnancy Obesity and Pregnancy Outcomes Influence Midlife Cardiovascular Risk

Share this article

2 min read

A recent study has shed light on the connection between prepregnancy obesity, pregnancy complications, and future cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Published in the April 22 issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology, the research highlights that adverse pregnancy outcomes (APOs) partially mediate the relationship between a woman’s body mass index (BMI) before pregnancy and her risk for CVD later in life.

The study involved 4,269 pregnant women aged 18 and older, none of whom had hypertension or diabetes before pregnancy. These women were monitored throughout pregnancy and followed up approximately 11.6 years after childbirth. Findings revealed that women with obesity before pregnancy had higher average arterial pressure, triglyceride levels, and hemoglobin A1c at midlife. Specifically, gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) occurred in 13.8% and 10.7% of participants, respectively.

Importantly, the research determined that GDM mediated about 24.6% of the link between prepregnancy obesity and increased hemoglobin A1c, while HDP accounted for around 12.4% of the connection between obesity and elevated mean arterial pressure. These findings suggest that pregnancy complications serve as markers indicating future cardiovascular risk, unveiling key vascular and metabolic pathways affected by excess body weight before pregnancy.

The study emphasizes the importance of addressing prepregnancy BMI and managing pregnancy complications as part of strategies to reduce long-term cardiovascular risks. Recognizing APOs early can serve as a valuable intervention point to improve women’s health outcomes across their lifespan.

For more details, see the full study: Jaclyn D. Borrowman et al, "Prepregnancy Adiposity, Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes, and Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Midlife," Journal of the American College of Cardiology (2025). source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-04-adverse-pregnancy-outcomes-association-prepregnancy.html

Stay Updated with Mia's Feed

Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.

How often would you like updates?

We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.

Related Articles

Hypnosis as a Complementary Approach for Managing Dental Pain and Stress

Hypnosis shows promising potential in managing dental pain, anxiety, and chronic orofacial conditions, enhancing patient comfort, and reducing medication use. A recent review underscores the importance of integrating hypnosis into dental practice through standard protocols and training.

Research Reveals Potent Sweetener Found in Flavored Vapes Targeting Teens

A groundbreaking study uncovers neotame, a super-sweet chemical, in illegal flavored vapes popular among teens, raising health and regulatory concerns.

Research Uncovers Immune Molecule STING as a Central Player in Alzheimer's Disease Progression

New research identifies the immune molecule STING as a key driver of Alzheimer's disease, offering a promising target for future treatments aimed at reducing brain inflammation and neuronal damage.

New Insights into Habit Formation: Differentiating Mechanisms of Action Control

Recent research uncovers two distinct mechanisms underlying habit formation—response preparation and response initiation—offering new strategies to promote healthy behaviors and eliminate detrimental habits.