Certain complications of pregnancy such as gestational diabetes, gestational hypertension, and preeclampsia are an indication for higher risk of cardiovascular disease later in life and should be discussed with your physician, UT Southwestern Medical Center cardiologists say.

Studies show that women who have one of these three complications are overall about twice as likely to have cardiovascular disease in upcoming years, says UT Southwestern cardiologist Dr. Monika Sanghavi, who focuses on women’s cardiovascular health.

Women who have preeclampsia, for example, are four times as likely to subsequently develop high blood pressure as those without the condition. Women who have gestational diabetes are about 50 percent more likely to develop type 2 diabetes in the subsequent 10 years. Women with these conditions have an opportunity to make lifestyle changes that can help lower their risk, Dr. Sanghavi says.

“Talk to your primary care physician. Say, ‘I heard that women with gestational diabetes have an increased risk of heart disease. Should I change my diet? Do I have any other risk factors for heart disease? Would I benefit from seeing a cardiologist?’” Dr. Sanghavi says.

Media Contact: cathy.frisinger@utsouthwestern.edu