Preexisting hyperlipidemia in pregnancy is associated with heightened risk of obstetric complications and early cardiovascular events within five years postpartum, according to research presented at ACC's Cardio-Obstetric Essentials conference.

Srijana Maharjan, MD, et al., analyzed data from more than 10,000 women with prepregnancy hyperlipidemia in the TriNetX U.S. Collaborative Network between 2000 and 2020.

Results showed that within five years after their pregnancy, women with hyperlipidemia before their pregnancy had a higher risk of arrythmia, acute coronary syndromes, antepartum hemorrhage, gestational diabetes, labor and delivery complications, and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, although there did not seem to be a significant association with postpartum hemorrhage nor maternal mortality.

"Some outcomes were expected (higher risk of gestational diabetes and hypertensive disorders), but the clear link with arrhythmias and acute coronary syndromes within just five years postpartum was striking. It highlights that cardiovascular sequelae can manifest much earlier in this population than previously assumed," said Maharjan.

She added that to improve outcomes, "Obstetricians, internists and cardiologists should collaborate to integrate lipid management into preconception and prenatal care."

Learn more about the Cardio-Obstetrics Essentials: Team-Based Management of Cardiovascular Disease and Pregnancy conference, taking place Oct. 17-19 in Washington, DC. Plus, follow the ACC on social media and use the hashtag #ACCCardioOB to join the conversations.

Clinical Topics: Diabetes and Cardiometabolic Disease, Dyslipidemia, Prevention, Vascular Medicine, Hypertension

Keywords: Hyperlipidemias, Prenatal Care, Hypertension, Pregnancy-Induced, Diabetes, Gestational, Pregnancy, Cardio-Obstetrics