A groundbreaking study presented at ESC Preventive Cardiology 2025 reveals that women who have endured pre-eclampsia during pregnancy accumulate cardiovascular risk factors at an accelerated pace compared to those without such complications. The research, conducted by the Queen of Hearts study team, highlights the need for systematic cardiovascular assessments in these women. Pre-eclampsia, which affects 2-5% of pregnant women, is characterized by high blood pressure and significant protein levels in urine. Beyond immediate risks to maternal and fetal health, it significantly elevates the long-term likelihood of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and stroke. The findings emphasize the importance of proactive monitoring and timely preventive strategies.

In a retrospective cohort investigation carried out in the Netherlands, researchers from Maastricht University Medical Centre examined adult women who had experienced pre-eclampsia and those with normotensive pregnancies. Comprehensive postpartum evaluations were performed, including medical histories, physical examinations, blood pressure measurements, vascular function tests, and imaging studies. The results indicated substantially higher incidences of hypertension, diabetes, and hypercholesterolemia among women with a history of pre-eclampsia, manifesting approximately eight years earlier than in their counterparts. Moreover, the prevalence of hypertension escalated more sharply with age in this group, reaching critical thresholds warranting systematic CVD risk assessment by the age of 35.

This disparity underscores the urgency for regular cardiovascular evaluations in women following pre-eclampsia. Study author Emma Janssen emphasized that CV risk factors emerge nearly a decade sooner in these individuals, primarily due to the rapid onset of hypertension. She advocates for initiating systematic assessments at 35 years of age, with periodic follow-ups every five years.

Principal investigator Dr. Chahinda Ghossein-Doha highlighted the frequent oversight of these women after managing pre-eclampsia, urging consistent monitoring to detect early warning signs. Adopting heart-healthy lifestyles and engaging in formal CV risk discussions with healthcare providers are crucial steps for mitigating future risks.

The alarming statistics underscore the necessity for vigilance, as cardiovascular disease claims more female lives than male in EU member countries, accounting for 37% of all deaths. This research not only amplifies awareness but also calls for tailored follow-up protocols to safeguard women's long-term health post-pre-eclampsia.