According to a new study published in the Journal of the American Heart Association, women who experience depression during pregnancy are more likely to be diagnosed with the cardiovascular disease within two years after giving birth.

The most significant association was between depression and ischemic heart disease. Individuals with depression had an 83% higher likelihood of getting ischemic heart disease than those without a diagnosis of depression. People with prenatal depression had a 60% increased risk of arrhythmia or cardiac arrest, a 61% increased chance of cardiomyopathy, and a 32% increased risk of a new diagnosis of high blood pressure.

Similarly, an increased risk of cardiovascular disease was found among individuals without high blood pressure during pregnancy. The risk of arrhythmia or cardiac arrest was 85% among those who did not have high blood pressure during pregnancy, including a diagnosis of pre-eclampsia or gestational hypertension but had prenatal depression. This was followed by ischemic heart disease (84%), stroke (42%), cardiomyopathy (53%), and a new high blood pressure diagnosis (43%), respectively.

While prior studies have revealed that around 20% of pregnant women suffer from depression, little research has been done on prenatal depression as a particular risk factor for cardiovascular disease. The researchers observed that other pregnancy-related variables that can contribute to the development of cardiovascular disease include chronic inflammation and elevated stress-related hormones.

(Source: https://www.punjabnewsexpress.com/health/news/prenatal-depression-may-lead-to-heart-problems-after-childbirth-study-206483)