the Wedding Planner

UK Wedding News

08/12/2016

Heart Disease Risk For Expectant Mothers

A new study has claimed that pregnant women, and new mothers, should be aware of the symptoms of heart disease.

The report, from researchers at the University of Oxford, found that in 2012 – 2014, 8.5 women per 100,000 died during pregnancy or shortly after giving birth. The 'Saving Lives, Improving Mothers' Care', report noted that two in every 100,000 died from heart disease – the leading cause of women dying in pregnancy or the early weeks after childbirth.

For the study, experts studied the care of 153 women who died from heart disease during or after pregnancy in the UK and Ireland between 2009 and 2014. It was discovered that in some cases women had typical symptoms of a heart attack, such as severe central chest pain spreading to the left arm or back, but they did not seek advice from their doctor or midwife as they did not consider they could be at risk of heart problems.

- - - - - - Advertisement - - - - - -
The Party Photobooth Limited

Other women reported severe breathlessness when sitting at rest, which became worse when lying flat in bed, but they also did not realise that this could be an indication of heart disease.

In addition, it was claimed that some women who were known to have heart problems before they became pregnant were not recognised as 'high risk' and therefore did not receive the specialist care they needed.

Professor Marian Knight, who led the research, said: "Whilst dying from heart disease in pregnancy or after childbirth is uncommon, women need to be aware that they may be at risk, particularly older women.

"It is important to seek advice from your doctor or midwife if you have severe chest pain which spreads to your left arm or back. Being breathless when lying flat is not normal in pregnancy, and may also be an indication of heart problems."

(JP/LM)

Top stories


20/03/2020
LeToya Luckett-Walker Is Pregnant

Charlotte Crosby Finds New Romance

Lydia Bright Gets Candid About Giving Birth

Lana Del Ray Splits From Boyfriend

Angelica Ross Learns Of Boyfriend's Secret Life

Ashley Graham's Breastfeeding Struggle

Susanna Reid's Mother's Day Plans

Lin-Manuel Miranda Homeschooling Kids

Kristen Bell Speaks Of Pride For Daughters

Prince George & Princess Charlotte Now Homeschooled
more infomore info
0.015625 3.90.242.249 Ban:1, But:1 28/03/2024

"A new study has claimed that pregnant women, and new mothers, should be aware of the symptoms of heart disease."