Understanding the Connections between Pregnancy and Cardiovascular Disease after Pregnancy

Women who have experienced problems during their pregnancies (like delivering a baby too early or developing high blood pressure) have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the years after delivery. The rates of these problems among Black women is higher than in other women. Despite what researchers know about the factors that put certain women at risk, they do not know why pregnancy complications are associated with increased risk of CVD in later life. Researchers at the Magee-Womens Research Institute and its “Go Red for Women” Research Center (funded by the American Heart Association) have been investigating how information from pregnancy can be used to identify the causes and beginnings of high blood pressure, heart disease or stroke in women.

The Go Red Pathways clinical research project is headed by Carl Hubel, PhD, associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology, and reproductive sciences at the University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine. Dr. Hubel has been studying the structure of tiny blood vessels (the microvasculature) both during and after pregnancy. This research may reveal pathways of CVD in certain women in the years after delivery. His research team uses several measurement devices. One device is a small video camera that can be gently placed under the tongue (similar to a tongue depressor). He is studying a possible connection between CVD and damage to a delicate sugar- and protein-rich layer (the glycocalyx) that coats the inner surface of these tiny blood vessels.

“We think that this protective coating may be thinner or damaged in women who high blood pressure in pregnancy or related pregnancy problems,” says Dr. Hubel. “This damage may remain after pregnancy and contribute to CVD in some women. As glycocalyx damage is possibly preventable or fixable, we hope that our study can not only help define important clinical tests to identify women at highest risk for future CVD but also guide new interventions.”

The Pathways study seeks women who delivered a baby at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital fewer than six months ago. They may be eligible to participate in a one-visit study. The study will help researchers better understand the relationship between previous pregnancy and cardiovascular health.

Information about the Pathways study can be found here: pittplusme.org or by searching the Pitt+Me registry (pittplusme.org/studyarms/publicsearch) for the “Pathways study.”

CARL HUBEL, PhD (Feature Photo)

by Courier Newsroom

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