Pregnancy, cardiovascular health, and microchimerism

Abstract

Purpose of review To provide an updated review of scientific literature concerning associations between pregnancy and cardiovascular health among women, and to discuss a possible impact of microchimerism on the association. Recent findings In most studies, pregnancy and childbirth is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease in women. Some ascribe the association mainly to lifestyle, whereas others suggest that pregnancy itself negatively affects women's cardiovascular health. Pregnancy is a natural source of microchimerism, which in turn markedly affects female health. The only study published in the area surprisingly shows that among middle-aged women, male-origin microchimerism (MOM) is associated with half the risk of developing ischemic heart disease (IHD). No similar association is found between MOM and ischemic stroke. Summary The sparse evidence published suggests reduced risk of developing IHD among MOM-positive women. Despite the association being biologically plausible, replication of the findings is warranted to support that this is not a chance finding.