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A recent study highlights a concerning gap in postpartum cardiovascular care, particularly for women who have experienced pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes. The research, published in the “Go Red for Women” issue of Circulation, reveals that fewer than one in five individuals diagnosed with these conditions are screened for critical cardiovascular risk factors in the year following pregnancy, with long-term health implications.
Cardiovascular diseases remain a leading cause of death among women, and those who experience hypertensive disorders of pregnancy or gestational diabetes are at an increased risk of developing heart disease or having a stroke later in life. Postpartum screening for high blood pressure, blood sugars, and cholesterol is essential for early detection and prevention.
“The growing body of evidence suggests that maternal health during pregnancy has a lasting impact on vascular health,” said Dr. Amy Yu, neurologist and senior scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute. “Guidelines recommend that women with high blood pressure or gestational diabetes undergo screenings for blood sugar and cholesterol after pregnancy, but our study shows that these tests are not being conducted as frequently as they should be.”
The study, conducted by researchers from ICES and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Center, analyzed data from over a million pregnant individuals in Ontario, Canada, between 2002 and 2019. They compared the screening rates for diabetes and dyslipidemia in the first three years after delivery, focusing on those who developed pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes (the exposed group) versus those who did not (the unexposed group).
Key Findings:
- Only 17% of individuals diagnosed with gestational diabetes or hypertension were screened for cardiovascular risk factors in the first year following pregnancy.
- Less than half (44%) of those individuals received the necessary tests within three years.
- Cholesterol screenings were less frequent than diabetes screenings.
- Alarmingly, 33% of individuals without pregnancy-related hypertension or diabetes still received cardiovascular screening tests.
The researchers suggest that the lack of screening may not be due to limited access to healthcare providers, but rather a lack of awareness among both physicians and patients regarding the risks of cardiovascular disease following pregnancy complications.
Dr. Yu emphasized the importance of women understanding their risks for cardiovascular diseases, as this knowledge can encourage proactive conversations with healthcare providers about necessary screenings and lifestyle changes to protect long-term health.
“By increasing awareness, women can advocate for themselves and make informed decisions about lifestyle adjustments that may significantly improve their vascular health,” Dr. Yu explained.
This study calls for greater attention to the health risks women face after pregnancy-related hypertension and diabetes, urging healthcare providers and patients alike to prioritize postpartum cardiovascular screening.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is based on the study Population-Level Screening for Diabetes and Dyslipidemia After Pregnancies Complicated by Hypertension or Diabetes, published in Circulation (2025). While the findings are based on substantial research, individual health circumstances may vary. Readers should consult with their healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.
