Overview
- The American Heart Association reports many pregnancy complications raise a woman's lifetime risk of stroke, heart attack, or hypertension by about 60% or more.
- Conditions linked to higher long-term risk include preeclampsia, gestational hypertension or diabetes, peripartum cardiomyopathy, preterm delivery, miscarriage, and stillbirth.
- Clinicians advise cardiovascular evaluation after affected pregnancies with yearly risk assessments and sustained postpartum follow‑up.
- Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of pregnancy-related death in the U.S., and the CDC estimates about 80% of such deaths are preventable with timely care.
- Circulation's 2026 Go Red for Women issue highlights sex-specific research gaps, noting women make up less than 40% of trial participants and calling for greater inclusion and leadership.