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Pregnancy- the ultimate cardiovascular stress test.
Jessica Victoria Yao1,2, Dominica Zentner1,2, Jaya Chandrasekhar3,4
1Department of Cardiology, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
NPJ Cardiovascular Health
|June 2, 2026
Summary
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) in women is under-recognized. Pregnancy can reveal underlying heart issues and pregnancy complications are key risk factors for future CVD.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Women's Health
- Reproductive Medicine
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a leading cause of death in women, but it is under-studied and under-recognized.
- Pregnancy imposes significant cardiovascular stress, potentially unmasking latent CVD or worsening existing conditions.
- Pregnancy-related metabolic complications represent under-studied risk factors for the development of future CVD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the complex relationship between pregnancy and cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- To highlight the significance of pregnancy as a cardiovascular stress test.
- To examine pregnancy-related metabolic complications as risk factors for future CVD.
Main Methods:
- This is a review article.
- Literature search on the interplay between pregnancy and CVD.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on cardiovascular changes during pregnancy and associated risks.
Main Results:
- Pregnancy significantly alters cardiovascular physiology, acting as a stress test.
- Subclinical CVD may become apparent during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy-related complications are linked to increased long-term CVD risk.
Conclusions:
- The interplay between pregnancy and CVD is complex and warrants further investigation.
- Recognizing pregnancy-related cardiovascular risks is crucial for long-term women's health.
- Further research into pregnancy-related metabolic complications and their role in future CVD is needed.
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