History of Pregnancy Complications Associated With Increased Ischemic Stroke Risk

THURSDAY, Aug. 7, 2025 (HealthDay News) -- Women with a history of pregnancy complications may have an increased risk for ischemic stroke at a young age (younger than 50 years), according to a study published online Aug. 6 in Neurology.Esmée Verburgt, from the Radboud Institute of Medical Innovation in the Netherlands, and colleagues conducted a case-cohort study to quantify the association between a spectrum of pregnancy complications and ischemic stroke in young women (younger than 50 years). The study included 358 women aged 18 to 49 years with first-ever imaging-proven ischemic stroke and 714 women frequency-matched on age at their most recent pregnancy and gravidity.The researchers found that compared with women without ischemic stroke (median maternal age, 29 years), women with an ischemic stroke at a young age (median maternal age, 28 years) were more likely to have a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), small for gestational age (SGA), preterm birth, gestational diabetes, stillbirth, and miscarriage. The likelihood of having a history of HDP, SGA, and preterm birth was increased for women with an ischemic stroke due to (likely) large artery disease compared with those with a cryptogenic stroke."While the overall risk of stroke is still very low, our study found pregnancy complications may be an early warning sign of stroke risk -- even before age 50," coauthor Frank-Erik De Leeuw, M.D., Ph.D., from Radboud University, said in a statement. "Knowing this history could help doctors identify those who may benefit from early prevention and cardiovascular care."Abstract/Full Text (subscription or payment may be required).Sign up for our weekly HealthDay newsletter

History of Pregnancy Complications Associated With Increased Ischemic Stroke Risk

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