Pre-eclampsia is a serious condition during which a pregnant woman's blood pressure increases to an abnormal level and can pose danger to the mother and her unborn baby. It affects about five percent of all first time pregnancies.
The first findings, by researchers at the Institute for Women's Health in London, are based on a review of 25 previous studies covering three million women. Their aim was to identify future health of those women whose pregnancy had been affected by pre-eclampsia.
They conclude women with pre-eclampsia were four times more likely to suffer from high blood pressure in the future. They were also twice as likely to develop heart disease, stroke and blood clots compared to those who had problem-free pregnancies. However, increase in mortality was only slightly high.
The research team found no increase in risk of cancer, suggesting an evident link between pre-eclampsia and heart disease.
According to BBC News, lead researcher David Williams said: "A history of pre-eclampsia should be considered in the evaluation of women's risk of cardiovascular disease."
The second findings are from researchers at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology which involved 3,494 women.
Before pregnancy, participants' weight, blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels were measured.
The likelihood of complications among women with higher blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar was seven times higher.
The authors suggest that there may be a link between heart disease and pre-eclampsia.
Earth Times reports Cathy Ross, a cardiac care nurse at the British Heart Foundation saying: "The results make it clear that women who have had pre-eclampsia, need to be aware of their increased risk and take action to reduce it."
