Preeclampsia and Eye Health: Understanding Long-Term Heart Disease Risk
Preeclampsia is a significant pregnancy complication defined by high blood pressure and proteinuria (protein in the urine) after 20 weeks of gestation. Affecting an estimated 2–8% of pregnancies worldwide, it can impact both the mother and baby during pregnancy. Importantly, emerging research suggests that preeclampsia may also have long-term consequences for eye health and cardiovascular risk in women later in life [American Heart Association].
1. Understanding Preeclampsia
- Definition: Hypertension (high blood pressure) after 20 weeks of pregnancy accompanied by proteinuria.
- Prevalence: Affects approximately 2–8% of pregnancies globally.
- Immediate Pregnancy Risks: May include seizures, liver or kidney dysfunction, premature delivery, and growth restrictions in the fetus.
- Long-Term Health Risks: Increased risk for cardiovascular disease, stroke, kidney complications, and microvascular damage in the eyes.
2. Eye Health and Microvascular Changes
Women with a history of preeclampsia may develop retinal microvascular changes years later. These subtle changes can be detected through routine eye examinations and may serve as early indicators of cardiovascular risk [GlobZa]. Monitoring eye health in this population provides a window into systemic vascular health, helping healthcare providers identify potential complications early.
| Health Aspect | Impact of Preeclampsia | Long-Term Risk |
|---|---|---|
| Eye Health | Damage to retinal vessels | Microvascular disease, early signs of cardiovascular problems |
| Heart Health | Elevated blood pressure, endothelial dysfunction | Increased risk of coronary artery disease and hypertension |
| Metabolic Health | Insulin resistance and altered lipid profile | Higher risk for type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome |
3. Cardiovascular Risk Following Preeclampsia
Evidence indicates that women who experienced preeclampsia are likely to develop cardiovascular risk factors earlier in life compared to women without preeclampsia [European Society of Cardiology]. This includes:
- Persistent hypertension
- Elevated cholesterol levels
- Insulin resistance and increased diabetes risk
Key Statistics
- Women with a history of preeclampsia are approximately 2–3 times more likely to develop heart disease.
- Early cardiovascular screening is recommended, starting from age 35 and repeated every 5 years.
- Routine eye exams can serve as predictive tools for identifying cardiovascular changes.
4. Addressing the Support Gap
Pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia or miscarriage can have emotional and physical impacts. Many women face challenges accessing compassionate, culturally sensitive, and bilingual support. Addressing this gap is essential for holistic care.
5. Recommendations for Ongoing Health
- Schedule regular cardiovascular screenings for women with preeclampsia history.
- Undergo annual eye examinations to monitor microvascular health.
- Provide and develop bilingual miscarriage support materials to meet diverse community needs.
- Implement community outreach programs to educate culturally diverse populations.
- Maintain healthy lifestyle practices: balanced diet, physical activity, and stress management.
Related Articles
- Early Pregnancy Loss Support Guide
- Gestational Diabetes: Diet & Lifestyle
- PCOS Diet & Management Tips
Author Note
Written by Dr Humaira Latif, Registered Medical Practitioner and Gynae Obs Specialist with 14 years of clinical and practical experience. Article updated on January 12, 2026.
References
- American Heart Association – Damage from preeclampsia may be seen decades later in the eyes
- GlobZa – Eye Microvascular Disease After Preeclampsia: Heart Risk
- European Society of Cardiology – Pre-eclampsia and Cardiovascular Risk Factors
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