Pregnancy Complication History in 10-Year Cardiovascular Disease Risk Prediction: a Review of Recent Evidence

Purpose of Review Women with prevalent pregnancy complications (including preterm birth and preeclampsia) have twice the risk of later cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to unaffected women. Current prevention guidelines recommend that reproductive history should be part of a woman’s CVD risk assessment. This review synthesizes recent findings on the value of history of pregnancy complications in 10-year CVD risk prediction. Recent Findings The associations between several pregnancy complications and CVD are still evident when conventional predictors are considered in middle age. However, comprehensive evaluation suggests that these associations translate into only minor, if any, clinically relevant improvements in prediction. Summary Current evidence suggests that 10-year CVD risk prediction in women is not substantially improved by history of pregnancy complications. Future studies should identify subgroups to target with prevention efforts post-pregnancy. In the meantime, conventional models are appropriate for estimating 10-year CVD risk in women with a history of pregnancy complications.