High blood pressure during pregnancy ’causes increased stroke risk’

A woman's risk of suffering from a stroke can be greatly increased by high blood pressure during pregnancy, according to a new study.

Researchers led by the University of Calgary have carried out a systematic review of nine studies looking at hypertension during pregnancy and its relationship to future risk of stroke, following women for between one and 32 years after their pregnancy.

Consistent evidence that those with a history of hypertension in pregnancy – the most common medical problem encountered when women are with child – are more likely to experience strokes in later life.

Currently, women are closely monitored throughout their pregnancy for changes in blood pressure, but there are no specific recommendations in place regarding stroke-related screening or other postpartum preventive measures.

Dr Aravind Ganesh, a neurology resident at the University of Calgary, said: "These women should be more closely followed for a reemergence of hypertension, as well as for cholesterol, diabetes or other markers of increased risk of stroke."

It is estimated that more than 150,000 people suffer a stroke each year in England, making it the third largest cause of death after heart disease and cancer.