Learn how a new study with data from over 250,000 participants shows a causal relationship between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and future cardiovascular risk.
Quick Summary
- Study finds hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) increase the risk of future cardiovascular diseases (CVD).
- Genetically predicted HDPs were linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke.
- Cardiometabolic factors partially mediated the risk.
- The study used genome-wide genetic association data from over 250,000 individuals.
- The findings highlight the importance of treating and managing HDPs to reduce future CVD risk.
- Women with a history of HDPs should be regularly screened and receive appropriate follow-up care.
A new study led by researchers from the National Heart and Lung Institute at Imperial College London has found that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDPs) can increase the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in the future.
The study, which analyzed data from over 250,000 individuals, used genome-wide genetic association to reach these conclusions.
Understanding the Link between HDPs and CVD
The study found that genetically predicted HDPs were linked to an increased risk of coronary artery disease (CAD) and ischemic stroke.
However, the researchers noted that this risk could be partially mediated by cardiometabolic factors.
Therefore, monitoring and treatment strategies for HDPs are essential in preventing future CVDs.
How The Study Was Conducted
To conduct the study, the researchers obtained data from genome-wide association studies for the FinnGen consortium’s 6th data release on January 24, 2022.
They identified uncorrelated single-nucleotide variants for use as instrumental variations for the exposures of interest, which included any hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia/eclampsia.
The investigators then obtained information for genetic association estimates from 122,733 cases for CAD, 34,217 cases for ischemic stroke, 47,309 cases for heart failure, and 60,620 cases for atrial fibrillation.
Key Findings
The results indicated that genetically predicted HDPs, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia/eclampsia were associated with a higher risk of CAD.
When it came to ischemic stroke, only genetically predicted HDPs were associated with an increased risk.
The association was not observed for genetically predicted gestational hypertension or genetically predicted preeclampsia/eclampsia.
Mediation analyses showed that cardiometabolic factors partially attenuated the effects of HDPs on CAD after adjustment for systolic blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.
However, the researchers acknowledged multiple limitations to consider, including the use of GWAS data from European populations and the inability to verify the occurrence of the mediator followed by the exposure in their mediation analysis.
Implications Of The Study
The study’s findings suggest that HDPs can have a significant impact on a woman’s health in the future, and it’s essential to consider them as an important risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
The treatment and management of HDPs are critical to ensuring women’s long-term health and wellbeing.
According to Siong Ng, MBBS, PhD, a clinical senior lecturer in Cardiac Electrophysiology at Imperial College London,
“The results of this study are important, as they highlight the importance of treating and managing hypertensive disorders of pregnancy to reduce the risk of future cardiovascular disease.”
Conclusion
The study emphasizes the need to prioritize the prevention, early detection, and management of HDPs to reduce the risk of CVDs in the future.
Women who have a history of HDPs should be screened regularly and receive appropriate follow-up care to manage any potential risks.
Ultimately, the study’s findings underscore the importance of understanding the link between HDPs and CVD to ensure women’s long-term health and wellbeing.
References
Rayes B, Ardissino M, Slob EAW, Patel KHK, Girling J, Ng FS. Association of Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy With Future Cardiovascular Disease. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(2):e230034. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.0034
Robin Backlund is a dedicated journalist and a medical student who has written several articles and essays exposing the falseness and hollowness of online resources in the medical science niche.