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A second study has suggested high blood pressure problems in pregnancy, including pre-eclampsia increases a woman’s risk of heart disease in later life.
The study in the British Medical Journal found those who had experienced raised blood pressure in pregnancy had a long-term risk of hypertension (high blood pressure), an increased risk of stroke and a slightly increased risk of heart disease.
The long-term risks were highest for women with pre-eclampsia.
The researchers, from the University of Aberdeen, said: “Women with a history of gestational hypertension or of pre-eclampsia or eclampsia are at increased risk of hypertensive and associated diseases in later life.”
They said if there was a greater awareness of the link, it could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management of patients, potentially reducing the numbers made ill or killed by such diseases.