Approximately 8% of women develop preeclampsia during the last months of their pregnancy. The condition causes high blood pressure (hypertension) and protein in the urine (proteinuria). It can also lead to kidney, liver, lung and heart damage.
One misconception about preeclampsia is that once the baby is born, the risk of complications is over. But preeclampsia actually signals the presence of underlying heart and blood vessel (cardiovascular) conditions that may cause complications after delivery. It also increases the risk of heart disease in the future.
“If you’ve experienced preeclampsia, seeking frequent follow-up care after delivery is important to avoid further complications. Regular check-ups with your physician and a heart-healthy lifestyle can reduce your risk for heart disease in the future,” says cardiologist Ryhm Radjef, M.D., a cardiologist at Henry Ford Health.
What Does Preeclampsia Reveal About Your Health?
During pregnancy, the heart expands, pumping 50% more blood—and pumping it faster—to support both mother and baby. The blood vessels also expand to accommodate the increased blood flow and maintain the mother’s blood pressure.
With preeclampsia, there is a problem with the arteries carrying blood from the mother to the placenta, the organ that nourishes the baby. As a result, the placenta doesn’t receive enough blood and oxygen. In response, the heart pumps faster to carry more blood to the placenta, increasing the mother’s blood pressure.
“Pregnancy is a stress test for the cardiovascular system. Preeclampsia is a sign that something is not quite right with the blood vessels, predisposing women to complications after delivery and heart disease in the future,” says Dr. Radjef.
Postpartum Care After Preeclampsia
Care doesn’t stop for women affected by preeclampsia once the baby is born. During the three months after delivery, these mothers are at risk for various complications, including:
Women's Heart Center
- High blood pressure
- Kidney and liver damage
- Fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema)
- Seizures (eclampsia)
Follow-up care is necessary to avoid potential complications. This care can include:
- Daily remote blood pressure monitoring
- Reassessment of heart function, including a physical exam and cardiac testing
- Medication adjustment to treat ongoing symptoms and restore organ function
- Discussion of contraception options to allow the heart to recover after pregnancy
- Support for breastfeeding and postpartum recovery
“By monitoring mothers after delivery, we can reduce the need for readmission to the hospital and prevent life-threatening complications,” says Dr. Radjef.
Long-Term Follow-Up Care After Preeclampsia
Women affected by preeclampsia are also at increased risk for heart disease in the future. For example, they are:
- Twice as likely after 10 to 15 years to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure
- Seven times more likely to have a heart attack, stroke or heart failure after 20 years
- Four times more likely to have high blood pressure
If you’ve had preeclampsia, Dr. Radjef recommends seeing your primary care physician at least every two years for a check-up. “Know your numbers: cholesterol, blood sugar (glucose) and blood pressure. Your physician can recommend additional testing, medication adjustments or other treatments to maintain your heart health,” she says.
If you change physicians or see a specialist, share that you were affected by preeclampsia when discussing your medical history.
How To Reduce Your Risk For Heart Disease After Preeclampsia
While you can’t change your biology or genetics, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Dr. Radjef suggests adopting these strategies:
- Commit to an exercise program (with your doctor’s approval) to manage your weight and reduce stress
- Eat a heart-smart diet that limits sodium and saturated fat
- Stop smoking, limit alcohol and avoid illegal drugs
- Take all prescribed medications as directed
In addition, she advises women to listen to their bodies and recognize that women experience different heart disease symptoms compared to men. Seek medical care if you have the following:
- Abdominal (belly) or chest pain
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue or dizziness
- Headache
- Irregular or rapid heart rate
- Leg swelling
- Shortness of breath during exertion or when lying down
“Heart disease can affect women of all ages at any time. So, if you feel unwell, don’t delay what could be lifesaving care,” says Dr. Radjef.
Reviewed by Dr. Ryhm Radjef, Director for the Women's Heart Center and Cardio-Obstetric Program at Henry Ford Health.
