Recurrent miscarriage and the subsequent risk of cardiovascular disease

Wagner, M.M. (2018)

Doctoral Thesis

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of  death in women in the Western world. In this thesis, several studies are presented examining the association between recurrent miscarriage and cardiovascular disease. Main aim of this thesis was to assess whether miscarriages are independently associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease later in life. And, if this was true, to identify cardiovascular risk factors and predict long term cardiovascular disease risk in women with a history of recurrent miscarriage. 

We found an increased risk of ischemic heart disease in women with a history of two (multivariate analysis HR 1.82) and three or more miscarriages (HR 3.18), irrespective whether consecutive or not (chapter 2). Women with a history of recurrent miscarriage have significantly higher 10- and 30-year cardiovascular risk scores compared to women with a history of no miscarriage. These results indicate an opportunity for the early identification of women prone to cardiovascular disease later in life. Women with a history of two or more miscarriages must be made aware of their increased cardiovascular risk and appropriate risk factor modifications will have to be offered, for example life style advises; weight management and smoking control. 

• Recurrent miscarriage
• Cardiovascular disease
• Prevention
• Pregnancy

• All authors: Wagner, M.M.
• Supervisor: Lith, J.M.M.M. van; Bloemenkamp, K.W.M.
• Committee: Claas, F.H.J.; Groot, C.J.M. de; Hoek, A.; Jukema, J.W.
• Qualification: Doctor (dr.)
• Awarding Institution: Verloskunde, Medicine / Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC), Leiden University
• Date: 2018-06-26
• ISBN (print): 9789462959569