New study finds increased risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers of twins

A new study conducted by the European Society of Cardiology has found that mothers of twins face a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) within a year of childbirth.

According to the findings published on 3 February, the mothers with twins are twice at risk of suffering from heart-related issues compared to the singletons’ mothers.

The risk of CVD is even higher for mothers with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy like pre-eclampsia and gestational hypertension.

Physiological challenge of twin pregnancy mothers

Professor Cande Ananth from Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School led this study. Data acquired from 36 million hospital deliveries in the United States from 2010 to 2020 was analyzed in this study.

Dr. Ruby Lin, the study’s lead author highlighted the physiological burden twin pregnancies place on the maternal heart. She said it takes weeks for the heart to return to its pre-pregnancy state.

Moreover, even without high blood pressure, twin pregnancies increase the short-term risk of cardiovascular complications. Experts insist on the need for extended postnatal care, especially for high-risk pregnancies.

Dr. Katherine Economy from Brigham and Women’s Hospital added that a “fourth trimester” strategy is the only solution to this health challenge. 

This method requires obstetricians and cardiologists to monitor new mothers to help in reducing cardiovascular risks.

While this study focuses on the short-term risks, it also suggests that long-term cardiovascular mortality rates may be elevated for mothers of singletons with hypertensive conditions.

Need for future research

The researchers called for extensive investigation into the underlying factors, including smoking, obesity, and genetic predisposition.

Future research should identify specific preventive measures that can be implemented during pregnancy to minimize the cardiovascular risks connected to twin pregnancies.

Given these findings, healthcare providers are encouraged to increase postpartum follow-ups, especially for mothers of twins, to minimize maternal mortality and boost long-term health outcomes.