I finally had a full cardiac work-up last year (at 46) and saw a cardiologist. She actually had worked with my OB and knew "who I was" so she SCOLDED me for waiting so long. I was supposed to get my baseline at 40--not six years later. Good news--all healthy--but it was a basic treadmill, EKG, and a couple other non-invasive short, painless tests--altogether it was under an hour and everything was good. I was put on Atenolol because of pre-hypertensive BP (130/85) and have been on that since with my BP now a respectable 120/70. Still not the 90/60 I was ten years ago--but its definitely going in the right direction. I shared this elsewhere so apologies to those who heard it already--but I asked if I lost 30# if that would bring my BP under control and she was pretty firm that a) I was not that overweight (GOTTA LOVE HER) and b)to make an impact I would need to do "aggressive" cardiovascular training. When I tentatively asked what that might be she said--six days a week with my BP at my maximum heart rate for at least thirty minutes. Since I'm not super fit to start with--it takes me thirty minutes to get there and then keeping it there is sort of a challenge. So I appreciate that is not super realistic for me and my lifestyle but I have joined a gym and got a dog! Moral--get your Baseline at 40!!!

No, PE is just thought to "unmask" the risk. Whatever predisposes us to the heart outcomes *also* predisposes us to the PE.

Oh, hoorah.

So...if you already have chronic hypertension and you are already at risk for heart attack and stroke, does having PE make that risk go up even more?

Also wondering what tests they typically run to check for these things? I am assuming that we should all have these tests done now, or is it something we should do as we get older?

Great article and it's so good to hear that this info is getting out there so all women and doctors can be more proactive!

The same article was also in our local paper in Ontario - so the news is now getting out there to a wider audience which is good.

During my release exam from this delivery, they told me to go see an internist to discuss my health. Interesting article ...

I see an internist for my annual screenings (and I'm, er, six months behind on this year's. Oops.)

quote:Originally posted by lola1971

quote:Originally posted by lola1971

This is really good info. I guess I wish the article would outline what type of tests to do later on after pg so that you can prevent a heart attack or stroke. Or should I consult with a general physician and then talk to a specialist? And when should I do it- obviously I want to see a dr before i start having problems.


--------------------------------Sorry had technical issues and I posted twice...didn't mean to...but I did want to note that I saw the article comment about additional screening. So I guess that is my answer on how to handle in the future

quote:Originally posted by lola1971

This is really good info. I guess I wish the article would outline what type of tests to do later on after pg so that you can prevent a heart attack or stroke. Or should I consult with a general physician and then talk to a specialist? And when should I do it- obviously I want to see a dr before i start having problems.

This is really good info. I guess I wish the article would outline what type of tests to do later on after pg so that you can prevent a heart attack or stroke. Or should I consult with a general physician and then talk to a specialist? And when should I do it- obviously I want to see a dr before i start having problems.

Pre-eclampsia affects about 5 percent of pregnancies, or an estimated 300,000 women a year in the United States. Its causes are unknown; its hallmarks are high blood pressure and protein in the urine, a sign that the blood vessels are improperly leaking protein to other tissues. Other symptoms include severe swelling, headaches and vision problems.

The condition goes away soon after delivery, and many women never think about it again. But a growing body of evidence shows that women who develop pre-eclampsia have twice the risk of a later heart attack or stroke...

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/03/17/health/17preg.html

Information provided on this site is provided for informational purposes only and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disorder, or prescribing any medication. The Preeclampsia Foundation presents all data as is, without any warranty of any kind, express or implied, and is not liable for its accuracy, for mistakes or omissions of any kind, nor for any loss or damage caused by a user's reliance on information obtained on the site. Professional opinions on this condition vary greatly. The Preeclampsia Foundation endorses no one course of treatment or "cure".