#hh4m If you had a preeclamptic pregnancy, even if it was decades ago, insist that your doctor gives you all the heart screening tests

#hh4m Researchers have followed women for up to 28 years after preeclampsia. It looks like higher heart disease risk is maintained over time

#hh4m Most women don't realize that heart disease is the #1 cause of illness and death in U.S. women, so this is really important!

#hh4m All women need to take care of their hearts, but this is even more true for women who have had preeclampsia

#hh4m We know a lot about preventing heart disease in women by following a healthy heart lifestyle

#hh4m Also, your doctor can help you decide if you would benefit from certain drugs to lower blood pressure or cholesterol.

#hh4m Another risk factor that may be shared between preeclampsia and heart disease is inflammation. We need more research on this.

#hh4m We are researching exactly what heart disease risk factors need to be screened - and when they should be screened - after PE pregnancy

#hh4m For now, the best advice is to keep your weight down, get lots of exercise, eat a healthy diet, and no smoking!

#hh4m Of course, it can be challenging to follow healthy lifestyle advice when you have young children!

#hh4m We need much more research on how preeclampsia is connected to other aspects of women's health - the more we look, the more we find

#hh4n We know that women with a history of PE are more likely to develop high blood pressure and heart disease, and probably stroke as well

#hh4m Research suggests that heart disease risks are very high for women with preclampsia who delivered preterm (more than 3 weeks early)

#hh4m The jury is still out on the heart disease risk for women who had preeclampsia but delivered at term (37 weeks or later).

#hh4m Though it's not good news that you have higher risk of heart disease, the good news is that you have an early warning system

#hh4m The good news is that most heart disease risk factors can be reduced, even without medicines

#hh4m Every little bit counts in keeping your heart healthy. You just have to remember to take care of yourself too! You're worth it!

#hh4m Sometimes I think women are so good at taking care of their family that they forget to take care of themselves. You count too!

#hh4m Many doctors don't know yet that your preeclampsia history is a risk factor for heart disease. You may need to educate them gently!

#hh4m Remember, having children gives you joy and support that will lower your heart disease risk. Just do all you can to help lower it too.