Miscarriages and stillbirths linked to higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, study reveals

The findings, published in the European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, suggested that both stillbirths and miscarriages are related to a higher risk of total CVDs, stroke, coronary heart disease (CHD), and total CVD deaths. The risk of total CVD and CHD increased with the number of stillbirths or miscarriages.

Cardiovascular diseases include conditions such as heart attacks, strokes, and heart failure, which are major causes of morbidity and mortality globally. The relationship between pregnancy loss and the risk of cardiovascular diseases remains a matter of debate. Mengmeng Wang, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, People’s Republic of China, and colleagues aimed to analyze the relationship between miscarriage and stillbirth and the risk of CVDs by conducting a meta-analysis.

For this purpose, they systematically searched the online databases up to May 30, 2023, for all relevant studies. The random-effects model was applied to estimate the pooled relative risks (RRs). RR estimates were evaluated for the risk of CVDs with each additional miscarriage and stillbirth through generalized least squares regression.

Based on the review, the researchers reported the following findings:

·The meta-analysis included twenty-three articles. For women with a history of miscarriage, the pooled RRs for the risk of total CVDs, coronary heart disease, stroke, and total CVD deaths were 1.16, 1.26, 1.13, and 1.20, respectively.

· For women with a history of stillbirth, the pooled RRs for the risk of total CVDs, CHD, stroke, and total CVD deaths were 1.60, 1.30, 1.37, and 1.95, respectively.

· With each additional miscarriage, the risk increased for total CVDs, CHD, and stroke.

· With each additional stillbirth, the risk increased for total CVDs (1.11) and CHD (1.13).

The meta-analysis, a cohort-based study, revealed that that both miscarriages and stillbirths are related to a higher risk of total CVDs, stroke, and CHD, as well as a higher risk of total CVD deaths. The risk of total CVDs and CHD may be increased for each additional miscarriage or stillbirth.

"These findings suggest that a history of miscarriage and stillbirth may serve as an early indicator of future development of CVDs in women," the researchers wrote.

As awareness grows regarding the intersection of reproductive health and cardiovascular well-being, the medical community seeks to integrate these findings into holistic approaches to women's healthcare, ensuring comprehensive support for all aspects of women's health across the lifespan.

Reference:

Wang, M., Zhang, J., Yuan, L., Hu, H., Li, T., Feng, Y., Zhao, Y., Wu, Y., Fu, X., Ke, Y., Gao, Y., Chen, Y., Huo, W., Wang, L., Zhang, W., Li, X., Liu, J., Huang, Z., Hu, F., . . . Zhao, Y. (2024). Miscarriage and stillbirth in relation to risk of cardiovascular diseases: A systematic review and meta-analysis. European Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, 297, 1-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejogrb.2024.03.035