Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy

Abstract Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is related to pregnancy complications in a variety of unexpected ways. In 2001, preeclampsia was reported to be a strong predictor of later maternal mortality from CVD. Since then, many pregnancy complications have been found to predict CVD. Preeclampsia is worth special consideration in that it is itself a serious obstetric complication that can escalate to maternal convulsions and death. The only cure is the delivery of the infant. The etiology of preeclampsia has inspired many hypotheses, with its underlying cause remaining elusive. It is clear, however, that CVD risk factors such as obesity and hypertension increase the risk of preeclampsia and other pregnancy complications. The causal pathway between CVD risk factors and pregnancy complications is an area of active research.