Reports Links Hypertension During Pregnancy To Problems Later In Life

KYW's Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A Danish study has some interesting news for women who had high blood pressure during pregnancy. We know that certain women develop high blood pressure while pregnant –hypertension that can go away after delivery. But we also know these women are more likely to develop high blood pressure later in life.

According to a report in the Journal of the American Medical Association, women with this history are not only at risk for high blood pressure later in life, but there is a small but significantly higher risk of developing cardiomyopathy. Cardiomyopathy is a weakening of heart muscle that can impact how blood flows through the body.

The reason why this study is important is that it helps remind physicians to talk with their patients about their pregnancies and any issues like high blood pressure because it will allow them to interact with the patients and help them earlier than they might have otherwise.