According to research reviewed by Gram Research, women who had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy carry genetic patterns that increase their risk of heart disease later in life. A Finnish study of 2,810 women found that those with pre-eclampsia share similar genes with people who develop high blood pressure and heart disease, suggesting the pregnancy condition is linked to lifelong cardiovascular health. Researchers are testing whether lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating can reduce this heart disease risk in women with a history of pre-eclampsia.
A major Finnish research project is following thousands of women to understand why some develop a serious pregnancy condition called pre-eclampsia and how it affects their heart health for decades afterward. Gram Research analysis shows that women who had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy face higher risks of heart disease later in life, and scientists believe genetics plays a key role. By studying the genes of mothers, fathers, and babies together, researchers are uncovering why this happens and testing whether lifestyle changes can help prevent heart problems in women who had this pregnancy complication.
Key Statistics
A case-control study of 2,810 Finnish women found that 1,654 women with pre-eclampsia shared genetic patterns with people who develop high blood pressure and heart disease, revealing a genetic connection between pregnancy complications and lifelong cardiovascular risk.
The FINNCARE lifestyle intervention study enrolled 284 families between 2019 and 2022 to test whether 12 months of guided exercise and healthy eating could reduce heart disease risk in women 8 to 12 years after pre-eclampsia.
Research from the Finnish Genetics of Pre-eclampsia Consortium showed that fathers’ genetics may influence whether mothers develop pre-eclampsia, indicating the condition involves complex interactions between maternal and paternal genes rather than maternal factors alone.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Why some pregnant women develop pre-eclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy) and whether this condition increases their risk of heart disease later in life
- Who participated: 2,810 Finnish women (1,654 with pre-eclampsia and 1,156 without), plus their partners and children. A smaller group of 284 families also participated in a lifestyle intervention study between 2019 and 2022
- Key finding: Women who had pre-eclampsia share similar genetic patterns with people who develop high blood pressure and heart disease, suggesting their pregnancy complication is connected to lifelong heart health risks
- What it means for you: If you had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, your genes may put you at higher risk for heart problems later. Working with your doctor on heart-healthy habits like exercise and diet may help reduce this risk, though more research is needed to confirm how much lifestyle changes help
The Research Details
FINNPEC is a large research project that collected information from women across five major hospitals in Finland. Researchers compared women who had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy with women who had normal pregnancies, collecting blood samples, genetic information, and detailed health records from mothers, fathers, and their children. This type of study, called a case-control study, helps scientists spot patterns by comparing two groups with different experiences. A smaller group called FINNCARE followed some women for several years after pregnancy, measuring their heart health and testing whether a 12-month program of exercise and healthy eating could reduce their heart disease risk. This part of the study was a randomized controlled trial, meaning some women got the lifestyle program while others didn’t, so researchers could see if the program actually worked.
By collecting genetic samples and health information from entire families (mothers, fathers, and children), researchers can see which genes are passed down and which ones increase disease risk. This family-based approach is more powerful than studying individuals alone because it reveals how genes work together across generations. Understanding these genetic patterns helps doctors identify which women with a history of pre-eclampsia need extra heart monitoring and which lifestyle changes might actually prevent heart disease
This study is reliable because it includes a large number of participants (nearly 3,000 women) collected from multiple hospitals across an entire country, reducing bias. The researchers collected biological samples (blood) and genetic information, not just asking people to remember their health history. The study has been running since 2008, giving researchers time to follow people over many years. However, because all participants are Finnish, the findings may not apply equally to other ethnic groups or countries with different healthcare systems
What the Results Show
The research revealed that women who develop pre-eclampsia share genetic similarities with people who develop high blood pressure and heart disease throughout their lives. This suggests that pre-eclampsia is not just a temporary pregnancy problem but may be a sign that a woman’s body is genetically predisposed to cardiovascular problems. The study found that these genetic patterns affect not only the mother but can also be passed to children, meaning offspring of women with pre-eclampsia may also face higher heart disease risk. The FINNCARE lifestyle intervention study tested whether 12 months of guided exercise and healthy eating could reduce heart disease risk in women 8 to 12 years after having pre-eclampsia, providing important information about whether prevention strategies actually work for this high-risk group
Beyond genetics, the research identified other factors that increase pre-eclampsia risk, including problems with how the placenta develops and supplies oxygen to the baby, imbalances in special proteins that control blood vessel growth, and metabolic changes (how the body processes energy). The study also found that fathers’ genetics may influence whether mothers develop pre-eclampsia, suggesting that the condition involves complex interactions between maternal and paternal genes. These findings help explain why pre-eclampsia is not simply a maternal problem but involves the entire family’s genetic makeup
Earlier research suspected that pre-eclampsia increased heart disease risk, but this study provides stronger evidence by examining the genetic basis of this connection. Previous studies looked at mothers and babies separately, but FINNPEC’s family-based approach revealed new patterns by studying mothers, fathers, and children together. The research confirms and expands on earlier findings about placental problems and blood vessel dysfunction in pre-eclampsia, while adding new insights about how these problems connect to lifelong heart health
All study participants are Finnish, so results may not apply equally to women from other ethnic backgrounds or countries with different genetics or healthcare systems. The lifestyle intervention study included only 284 families, which is smaller than the main study, so those results are less certain. The research is still ongoing, so long-term heart disease outcomes in the lifestyle intervention group have not yet been fully measured. Some women may have dropped out of the study over time, which could affect results if the women who left were different from those who stayed
The Bottom Line
Women with a history of pre-eclampsia should discuss heart disease screening with their doctor, as they appear to have higher lifelong risk. Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet low in salt and processed foods, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing stress are reasonable preventive steps, though research is still determining how much these changes reduce risk. Blood pressure monitoring at home and regular check-ups are important. High confidence: pre-eclampsia increases heart disease risk. Moderate confidence: lifestyle changes reduce this risk based on current evidence
Women who had pre-eclampsia during any pregnancy should pay special attention to this research and discuss it with their healthcare provider. Women planning pregnancy who have family histories of pre-eclampsia or heart disease may want to know about these genetic connections. Healthcare providers caring for women with pre-eclampsia should consider long-term heart health monitoring. Women without pre-eclampsia do not need to change their approach based on this research, though maintaining heart-healthy habits is always beneficial
Pre-eclampsia typically occurs during pregnancy or shortly after delivery. Heart disease risk increases gradually over years and decades after pre-eclampsia. The lifestyle intervention study lasted 12 months, but benefits for heart health may take several years to become measurable. Women should expect to work with their doctors on prevention strategies for many years, not just months, since cardiovascular disease develops over a long time
Frequently Asked Questions
Does having pre-eclampsia mean I will definitely get heart disease later?
Pre-eclampsia increases heart disease risk, but it does not guarantee you will develop it. Your genetics, lifestyle choices, and other health factors all play roles. Working with your doctor on prevention strategies like exercise, healthy eating, and blood pressure monitoring can help reduce your risk.
Can I prevent heart disease if I had pre-eclampsia during pregnancy?
Research suggests lifestyle changes including regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet low in salt, maintaining a healthy weight, and stress management may help reduce heart disease risk. The FINNCARE study tested these approaches, though long-term results are still being analyzed. Talk to your doctor about personalized prevention strategies.
Will my children have higher heart disease risk because I had pre-eclampsia?
The study found that children of women with pre-eclampsia may inherit genetic patterns that increase cardiovascular risk. However, genetics is only one factor. Encouraging healthy habits in your children, like regular activity and nutritious eating, can help reduce their risk regardless of family history.
How often should I get my heart checked if I had pre-eclampsia?
Discuss screening schedules with your doctor based on your individual risk factors. Most experts recommend regular blood pressure checks, cholesterol screening, and cardiovascular assessments starting in the years after pre-eclampsia. Your doctor can determine the right timing for your situation.
Does the father’s health affect pre-eclampsia risk?
The FINNPEC study found that paternal genetics may influence pre-eclampsia risk, suggesting the condition involves genes from both parents. This means pre-eclampsia is not solely determined by maternal factors but involves complex family genetic patterns that researchers are still working to understand.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track blood pressure readings weekly at the same time of day, recording systolic (top number) and diastolic (bottom number) values. Note any patterns related to stress, sleep, or activity level to identify personal triggers
- Set a daily reminder to complete 30 minutes of moderate activity (brisk walking, cycling, swimming) and log it in the app. Create a weekly meal plan focusing on low-sodium, heart-healthy foods, and check off completed days to build consistency
- Use the app to track blood pressure trends over 3-month periods, share reports with your doctor at regular appointments, and adjust lifestyle goals based on readings. Set annual reminders for cardiovascular screening appointments and document any new symptoms or health changes
This article summarizes research findings and should not replace professional medical advice. If you have a history of pre-eclampsia or concerns about your cardiovascular health, consult your healthcare provider for personalized evaluation and treatment recommendations. The findings presented are based on ongoing research, and recommendations may change as new evidence emerges. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.