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A recent study conducted by experts from Rutgers Health has unveiled a concerning correlation between infertility treatments and the likelihood of postpartum heart disease. Analyzing over 31 million hospital records, the research revealed that patients who underwent infertility treatments were twice as likely as those who conceived naturally to be hospitalized with heart disease within the year following delivery.
The study, led by Rei Yamada, an obstetrics and gynecology resident at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, shed light on the heightened risk faced by patients who pursued infertility treatments. Specifically, these individuals were found to be 2.16 times more likely to require hospitalization due to dangerously high blood pressure or hypertension compared to those who conceived without assistance.
Yamada emphasized the crucial role of postpartum checkups, asserting that they are particularly imperative for patients who underwent infertility treatments. The findings underscored the necessity of adhering to standards of care recommending an initial postpartum checkup three weeks after delivery, a practice not universally adopted by all health systems.
Cande Ananth, chief of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and senior author of the study, highlighted the significance of early follow-up care. Previous research has consistently identified serious risks of heart disease and stroke within the first 30 days after delivery among high-risk patient populations, suggesting that timely interventions could mitigate these risks.
Utilizing data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database spanning from 2010 to 2018, the researchers examined the medical records of over 31 million patients discharged following delivery, including nearly 288,000 individuals who had undergone infertility treatments. Despite the elevated risk associated with infertility treatments, the overall incidence of postpartum heart disease remained relatively low among these patients.
However, the precise mechanisms underlying the increased risk remain unclear. While infertility treatments themselves could contribute to the heightened risk, underlying medical conditions or other factors might also play a role.
Looking ahead, Yamada expressed the need for further investigation into the association between different types of infertility treatments, medications, and varying levels of risk. She emphasized the importance of gathering more detailed information to better understand how infertility treatments impact cardiovascular outcomes.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of vigilance and comprehensive postpartum care for patients who have undergone infertility treatments, potentially mitigating the risk of postpartum heart disease. As medical research continues to advance, efforts to enhance postpartum care protocols may play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of mothers and their newborns.
