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Global Study Finds Postpartum Hemorrhage Raises Long-Term Heart Disease Risk

Researchers recommend routine cardiovascular screening for women who suffered severe postpartum bleeding

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Overview

  • The meta-analysis reviewed data from more than 9.7 million women across Europe, North America and Asia with follow-up periods of up to 31 years.
  • Women who experienced severe bleeding after childbirth faced a 1.76-fold higher risk of cardiovascular disease and a 2.10-fold increase in thromboembolic incidents.
  • The likelihood of heart failure, stroke and ischemic heart disease was especially high in the first year after delivery but remained elevated for up to 15 years.
  • Bleeding severity, particularly in cases requiring blood transfusions, correlated with greater long-term cardiovascular complications.
  • Authors call for expanded postpartum care that includes long-term heart monitoring and further research to understand mechanisms and improve prevention.