Journal: The Lancet

Study: A cohort study of about 1.3 million of women in Ontario, Canada, followed 7% who were diagnosed with maternal placental syndromes (including abnormal placental development, pre-eclampsia and hypertension as a result of pregnancy) for an average of nine years, and found that they had twice the relative risk of premature cardiovascular disease. The study also found that the women’s risk increased even further when fetuses had restricted growth, died before birth or the mother exhibited pre-existing factors that put her at risk for cardiovascular disease, such as smoking or obesity. Researchers suggest that abnormal metabolic conditions might be a link between abnormal placentas and the heightened risk of early cardiovascular disease.

What it means: An abnormal placenta is a potential risk factor for early cardiovascular disease, particularly when the fetus is adversely affected  and other risks are apparent. The study's authors suggest that women can reduce their risk of metabolic syndrome by being a healthy weight when they become pregnant. They also recommend that women who experienced maternal placental syndrome to maintain a healthy lifestyle and have their blood pressure and waist measured about six months after pregnancy.