A new study published in the “Go Red for Women” issue of Circulation reveals that fewer than 20% of women diagnosed with pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes are screened for cardiovascular risk factors in the year following their pregnancy.
Cardiovascular diseases are among the leading causes of death for women. Those who experience conditions such as hypertensive disorders during pregnancy or gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke later in life. Screening for high blood pressure, blood sugar levels, and cholesterol is vital for early identification of cardiovascular risk factors.
Recent research has highlighted the connection between maternal health during pregnancy and long-term vascular health. Current guidelines recommend that women who experience high blood pressure or elevated blood sugar levels during pregnancy undergo follow-up testing for these factors after childbirth.
Dr. Amy Yu, a neurologist, senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute, and adjunct scientist with ICES, explained, “We set out to evaluate whether Ontarians were receiving the recommended follow-up tests for diabetes and cholesterol after pregnancy-related complications.”
The study, conducted by researchers from ICES and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, analyzed data from over one million pregnant individuals in Ontario, Canada, between 2002 and 2019. The researchers compared the rates of diabetes and dyslipidemia screenings within the first three years postpartum between those who developed pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes (the exposed group) and those who did not (the unexposed group).
Key Findings:
- Only 17% of individuals diagnosed with gestational diabetes or hypertension were screened for cardiovascular risk factors within the first year following pregnancy.
- Less than half (44%) of those in the exposed group received screenings for diabetes and dyslipidemia within three years.
- Cholesterol screening rates were particularly low, even compared to diabetes screening rates.
- Surprisingly, 33% of individuals without gestational diabetes or hypertension also received these screenings.
The study’s authors suggest that the lower rates of screening for lipids compared to diabetes may point to an issue of awareness rather than access to care. They believe that increased awareness of the cardiovascular risks associated with pregnancy complications is needed, both among healthcare providers and patients.
“Women should be aware of their cardiovascular disease risks so they can proactively discuss risk factor screening with their doctors,” said Dr. Yu. “This knowledge can also empower patients to make informed decisions about lifestyle changes that could improve their vascular health.”
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