Frankly, this is not new information for me, but when the American Heart Association sent me an email with this newsblast inside, it was a wake up call. Preeclampsia survivors do not have good odds when it comes to risks for heart disease or stroke.
So ladies, may I issue a health challenge? How about we take the new year to create a better version of ourselves? Whether that is living a happier life to improve your mental health or making your physical health important to you, it is up to you.
Newsflash:
Women Who Experience Preeclampsia More Likely To Develop Heart Disease, Study Says
Women who experience preeclampsia -- a condition in which blood pressure increases late in pregnancy -- have a higher risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke later in life than women who do not experience the condition, according to a study published in the Nov. 1 edition of BMJ, the Washington Post/Hartford Courant reports. For the study, British researchers analyzed data from 25 studies that involved more than 3.4 million women, 198,252 of whom had preeclampsia during pregnancy and 21,958 of whom had been diagnosed with cardiovascular disease or cancer.
Women who had preeclampsia were four times more likely than women who did not have the condition to develop high blood pressure within 14 years, the study found. The risk of having heart disease or stroke within 10 years nearly doubled for women who had preeclampsia, compared with those who did not have the condition. The study also found that a woman's risk for heart disease increased the earlier during pregnancy she developed preeclampsia. The researchers found that preeclampsia did not increase women's risk for breast cancer or other cancers. The study is available online.
I had Grace 5 1/2 years ago. I guess I only have 4 more years before heart disease or stroke may hit me. Sigh. I'd better get myself to a cardiologist for a work up and figure out how I can live a healthier lifestyle. Life isn't a guarantee, but I know that all of my preeclampsia survivor friends are some of the strongest ladies I know. We can do it ladies. We can!
With much anticipation of a healthier me and you!
Jen, mom of Grace & Meghan, survivors of preeclampsia and prematurity
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2 comments:
Great blog. It's nice to see that the word is getting out. For more information on women with heart disease visit: www.womenheartdisease.org
I developed pre-eclampsia at about 29 weeks 13 years ago and went on to develop eclampsia(fitting) at 31 weeks. My son was born by emergency c-section and spent the first 6.5 weeks of his life in the neo natal unit. Thankfully he was healthy and as I had been in hospital and received steroid treatment he only needed to grow & learn to feed. Lately I have been experiencing some chest pains, headaches & blurred vision. I will definitely be getting myself to my doctor to get checked out after reading this information. Thanks.
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