OTTAWA, February 12, 2025 - A new study conducted by researchers from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute (UOHI) shows women who experience hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at an increased risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AFib), an irregular and often very rapid heart rhythm, and early death.
The study highlights the importance of recognizing HDP as a significant cardiovascular risk factor for women. It also emphasizes the need for improved prevention strategies and post-partum monitoring to detect AFib and reduce the long-term risks associated with these conditions.
This research, published in the Go Red Special Edition of Circulation, was led by Jodi Edwards, PhD, director of the Brain and Heart Nexus Research Program at the UOHI, and Dr. Thais Coutinho, former chief of cardiac prevention and rehabilitation at the UOHI and now at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN, USA.
"Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are a group of conditions associated with high blood pressure during pregnancy and are major contributors to maternal death and serious health problems, both during and after pregnancy," said Amy Johnston, an epidemiologist specializing in women’s cardiovascular and reproductive health and the lead author of the study. "Our study shows that women with a history of HDP—especially those with high pre-pregnancy blood pressure—are almost twice as likely to develop AFib and should be closely monitored for heart issues."
What is new?
Using administrative health data from ICES, the study followed over 770,000 women in Ontario and found that even as early as seven years post-partum, the risks of AFib and death were increased in those with HDP during pregnancy. These risks also increased by HDP type and were particularly pronounced in women with more severe forms of HDP or those with chronic hypertension before pregnancy, a novel finding of this study.
What are the clinical implications?
“Given these findings, we believe it is crucial to increase monitoring of women with a history of HDP, particularly those with chronic hypertension, to detect AFib early and to include obstetric history into cardiovascular risk prediction tools for women," said Edwards. "We also need to improve strategies to prevent HDP to reduce long-term health impacts."
For more information
Media opportunities
To schedule an interview with one of the study authors from the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, please contact the media liaison below.
Media contact
Leigh B. Morris
Communications Officer
University of Ottawa Heart Institute
613-316-6409 (cell)
lmorris@ottawaheart.ca