Pregnancy related changes in some cardiovascular risk factors

Background. Certain risk factors for development of ischemic heart disease are influenced by pregnancy related changes of female sex hormone levels. Methods. As a part of the cardiovascular risk factor studies in Finnmark county, Norway, 1974-75 and 1977-78, cross-sectional clinical and non-fasting laboratory data were obtained prior to conception (n=463), during pregnancy (n=335), and following delivery (n=451). Results. Compared with prepregnancy values, total cholesterol was on average 7% lower in the first trimester (p<0.001), and 30% higher at the end of gestation (p<0,001). High density lipoprotein cholesterol was 38% higher at mid-pregnancy (p<0.001), but only 14% higher in the last trimester (p<0.01). Serum triglycerides were 18% lower in the first (p<0.001) and 123% higher in the third trimester (p<0.001). Blood glucose was 5% lower than baseline in mid-pregnancy (p<0.001). Except for the second trimester, when only 27% of women smoked, more than 40% of the women examined were smokers. Postpartum values were similar to prepregnancy levels, except serum triglycerides which remained 35% higher (p<0.001) and blood glucose (p<0.05). Conclusions. The major serum lipid fractions, and blood glucose, were significantly different during pregnancy and postpartum, which may influence the risk of cardiovascular disease development in women.