Hypertension in Pregnancy: Protecting Women’s Heart Health for the Future?

Blood Pressure Changes During Pregnancy

Pregnancy-related hypertension increases long-term cardiovascular risk 

Globally, between 5–16% of pregnant women experience gestational hypertension, significantly raising their lifetime risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Research shows that women with a history of pregnancy-related hypertension face a higher likelihood of developing chronic hypertension–even before menopause¹​. Their risk of atrial fibrillation (AFib) also rises sharply within 10–15 years after childbirth². Women who experienced preeclampsia, the more severe form of gestational hypertension, are reported to have approximately a fourfold increased risk of developing heart failure later in life, along with a twofold increase in the risk of coronary artery disease, stroke, and cardiovascular mortality³​. 

Gestational hypertension and preeclampsia

Pregnancy brings profound physiological changes, including natural fluctuations in blood pressure. Typically, blood pressure decreases slightly in early pregnancy and returns to baseline as delivery approaches. However, some women experience high blood pressure–a condition known as gestational hypertension. Preeclampsia, its more severe form, poses serious risks to both mother and child. However, given that the symptoms occur during pregnancy, the impact on one’s subsequent life remains largely underrecognized. 

Overlooked Warning Signs

Differing cardiovascular risks in men and women 

For decades, cardiovascular disease (CVD) was regarded primarily as a men’s health issue, leading to the underestimation of women’s risks. In reality, women’s risk rises sharply during or after menopausal transition⁴​. The decline in estrogen after menopause contributes to changes in blood pressure and lipid metabolism, leaving women at equal or even higher risk compared with men¹​. Yet symptoms such as palpitations, shortness of breath, and fatigue are often dismissed as typical menopausal changes. 

Pregnancy-related hypertension as an early warning signal 

Studies confirm that women who experienced hypertension during pregnancy are more likely to develop hypertension and cardiovascular disease later in life, particularly during or after menopausal transition⁵. Pregnancy-related hypertension should therefore be considered an early predictor of lifelong cardiovascular risk–making regular health monitoring essential. 

Practical Steps for Prevention

The role of home monitoring devices 

In response to these challenges, OMRON Healthcare is committed to supporting health at home from prevention to treatment. Atrial fibrillation during pregnancy may increase the risk of potential complications for both mother and child due to significant physiological changes. Daily blood pressure monitoring during pregnancy helps detect even small changes. OMRON’s Intellisense AFib technology enables early detection of atrial fibrillation during home blood pressure checks, helping prevent future heart disease risks. 

App integration for holistic care 

Through the OMRON connect app, blood pressure data can be combined with sleep and wellness records, enabling seamless information-sharing with physicians and midwives. For women with a history of pregnancy-related hypertension, regular home monitoring becomes a critical step in reducing future cardiovascular risk. 

Our system enables women to safeguard their future health through home blood pressure monitors and apps. 

OMRON Healthcare Initiatives

Educating healthcare professionals 

The e-learning platform OMRON Academy provides the latest insights on pregnancy-related hypertension and cardiovascular risks, helping clinicians detect problems early. 

Leading global discussions 

At the European Society of Cardiology Congress 2025 in Spain, OMRON Healthcare hosted a dedicated session on cardiovascular risks in women, emphasizing the need for integrated care across obstetrics and cardiology. 

Collaborating with academia 

To address the lack of data on cardiovascular risks specific to women, OMRON Healthcare collaborates with research institutions worldwide to generate evidence-based awareness campaigns. 

These initiatives reinforce the recognition that menopause is a turning point in cardiovascular health and aim to raise awareness through media coverage and public engagement.

A Call for Collective Action

Hypertension during pregnancy is more than a temporary complication–it is an early warning sign for a woman’s lifelong heart health. As risks re-emerge during the menopausal transition, early awareness and consistent monitoring are crucial. 

Recognizing cardiovascular risks unique to women–spanning pregnancy, menopause, and older age–and addressing them early supports OMRON Healthcare’s global vision of Going for ZERO: achieving zero heart attacks and zero strokes. By advancing home monitoring technologies, professional education, and collaborative research, OMRON is working to create a society where women can live confidently and healthily through every stage of life.