Women with Twins Face Higher Risk of Heart Disease: Study
A recent study has revealed that women who give birth to twins have twice the risk of developing heart disease compared to those who have a single baby. The risk is even greater for those who experienced high blood pressure during pregnancy, a condition known as preeclampsia.
Increased Risk for Mothers of Twins
According to research published in the European Heart Journal, mothers of twins are more likely to be hospitalized for heart-related issues within a year after giving birth. The study, conducted by Rutgers University in the US, highlights that twin pregnancies place greater strain on the mother’s heart compared to single births.
Lead researcher Dr. Ruby Lin, a maternal-fetal medicine fellow at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, stated, “During twin pregnancies, the maternal heart undergoes increased strain, requiring several weeks to recover post-childbirth.”
Growing Number of Twin Pregnancies
The study notes that twin pregnancies have increased worldwide due to advancements in fertility treatments and the trend of having children at older ages. This rise makes it crucial to understand the health risks associated with carrying twins.
Study Findings on Heart Disease Risk
The research analyzed data from 36 million hospital deliveries in the US between 2010 and 2020. The findings revealed that women who had twins were significantly more likely to be hospitalized for cardiovascular disease within a year of giving birth.
- Women with twins: 1,105.4 hospitalizations per 100,000 deliveries.
- Women with single babies: 734.1 hospitalizations per 100,000 deliveries.
Additionally, when comparing women with normal blood pressure:
- Those with twins had twice the risk of being hospitalized for heart disease.
- Women with twins who had high blood pressure during pregnancy faced a risk that was eight times higher than women with single pregnancies and normal blood pressure.
Long-Term vs. Short-Term Risks
Interestingly, the study found that after one year, the risk of death from any cause, including heart disease, was higher in women with single pregnancies who had high blood pressure than in women with twins and high blood pressure. This suggests that while twin pregnancies pose a higher short-term risk, women with single pregnancies may have other underlying heart disease risk factors that persist over time.
Advice for Expectant Mothers and Healthcare Providers
Dr. Lin emphasized the importance of monitoring heart health, particularly in women who undergo fertility treatments, and have advanced maternal age, obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, or pre-existing heart conditions. She urged doctors to inform women about the potential risks of twin pregnancies and to provide follow-up care for up to a year after childbirth.
Conclusion
Women carrying twins should be aware of the increased risk of heart disease, especially in the first year after giving birth. Proper medical care, regular check-ups, and awareness of symptoms can help manage these risks. Healthcare providers are crucial in ensuring that high-risk mothers receive the necessary attention to prevent complications and promote long-term heart health.
Source: Inputs from various media SourcesÂ
Priya Bairagi
Reviewed by Dr Aarti Nehra (MBBS, MMST)
I’m a pharmacist with a strong background in health sciences. I hold a BSc from Delhi University and a pharmacy degree from PDM University. I write articles and daily health news while interviewing doctors to bring you the latest insights. In my free time, you’ll find me at the gym or lost in a sci-fi novel.
