Roundup: Heart-Related Complications During Pregnancy are Rising; and More News

Researchers Find ‘Steady Rise’ in Heart-Related Complications During Pregnancy

New research reveals a significant increase in cardiovascular complications during pregnancy over the past two decades. A study published in the American Heart Association’s journal, Circulation, indicates that heart and blood vessel-related health issues may affect as many as one in seven pregnancies, even among individuals with no prior history of heart disease.

Researchers analyzed medical records from over 56,000 pregnancies within a major New England healthcare system between 2001 and 2019. The study identified a “steady rise” in pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications, which include conditions like heart attack, stroke, heart failure, and high blood pressure disorders (hypertension), states a news release on the study from the American Heart Association.

The data showed that approximately 15 percent of all pregnancies in the study were impacted by these complications. This trend was observed across all age groups and even in those who were previously healthy. The increase in complications was linked to a parallel rise in key cardiovascular risk factors among the study participants before and during their pregnancies.

Between 2001 and 2019, the prevalence of these risk factors increased substantially:

• Obesity rose from 2 percent to 16 percent.

• High blood pressure (hypertension) increased from 3 percent to 12 percent.

• High cholesterol grew from 3 percent to 10 percent.

• Diabetes increased from 1 percent to 3 percent.

The study concluded that there is an alarming rise in these events, highlighting pregnancy as a critical time for individuals to focus on optimizing their cardiovascular health.

Understanding the Implications for Expectant Mothers

The findings underscore the growing importance of heart health before, during, and after pregnancy. While the increase in complications was most notable among those with pre-existing cardiovascular disease (CVD)—a term for conditions affecting the heart or blood vessels—the trend was consistent across the broader population.

This suggests that even individuals who consider themselves healthy may be at risk. Many of the underlying risk factors, such as obesity and high blood pressure, can develop without obvious symptoms, making early screening and awareness essential.

Expert Advice for a Heart-Healthy Pregnancy

Medical experts emphasize that proactive healthcare is the most effective way to protect both mother and baby. Engaging with a healthcare provider before conception, throughout the pregnancy, and into the postpartum period is crucial.

Stacey E. Rosen, M.D., a senior vice president for women's health at Northwell Health, noted the importance of awareness and prevention in a news release. "If you're planning to become pregnant, I strongly encourage you to connect with a clinician early to understand your risks and take steps to reduce them."

Dr. Rosen also stressed the need for ongoing vigilance. "During pregnancy, stay proactive about your health. Listen to your body and your provider to address any concerns that arise. And don’t overlook the postpartum period, which also carries important health considerations."

The time before, during, and after pregnancy offers valuable opportunities to adopt heart-healthy habits. These choices not only support a safer pregnancy but also contribute to long-term wellness and help prevent future cardiovascular disease. This period is a key opportunity for individuals to prioritize their cardiovascular health for a lifetime.

Rates of Lesser-Known ‘Lobular Breast Cancer’ Increasing, Reports American Cancer Society

A new report from the American Cancer Society finds that a specific subtype of breast cancer — which represents about 10 percent of all breast cancer cases — is on the rise. The study, titled "Lobular Breast Cancer Statistics, 2025,” provides a detailed look at invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) in the U.S.

ILC is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands of the breast, known as the lobules. Unlike the more common ductal carcinoma, which often forms a distinct lump, ILC tumors tend to grow in a line-like or dispersed pattern.

This unique growth can make it more difficult for both patients and doctors to detect, potentially leading to a later diagnosis.

Key Findings from the Report

The study reveals several important statistics about ILC. An estimated 33,600 women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, a number significant enough to rank it as the seventh most common cancer among women if it were categorized separately.

Perhaps most concerning is the rate of new cases. From 2012 to 2021, the incidence of ILC increased by 2.8 percent per year. This is a much steeper rise compared to the 0.8% annual increase for all other breast cancers combined.

“Although lobular breast cancer accounts for a little over 10 percent of all breast cancers, the sheer number of new diagnoses each year makes this disease important to understand,” explains Angela Giaquinto, lead author of the report.

Understanding Survival Rates and Disparities

The study also examined survival outcomes. While survival rates for ILC are slightly better in the early years following diagnosis, the long-term outlook can be more challenging. For advanced disease that has spread, survival rates are lower for ILC compared to ductal cancer.

“At 10 years, these women with metastatic disease are half as likely to be alive as their counterparts with ductal cancer, probably because of the unique spread and resistance to therapy,” said Rebecca Siegel, senior author of the study.

The report also found that while White women currently have the highest incidence rate, the steepest increase in new cases is among Asian American/Pacific Islander women.

Researchers emphasize that ILC is often grouped with other breast cancers in clinical trials, which masks its distinct characteristics. This new report underscores the urgent need for more dedicated research into ILC to improve detection, develop targeted treatments, and ultimately enhance long-term outcomes for the growing number of women affected by it.

Sugary and ‘Diet’ Drinks Linked to Higher Risk of Fatty Liver Disease, Study Finds

A new large-scale study has found that both sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened beverages may raise the risk of developing metabolic dysfunction–associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) — a condition formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Researchers analyzed data from 123,788 adults in the UK Biobank who had no signs of liver disease at the start of the study. Participants reported their beverage consumption through repeated dietary questionnaires, and their liver health was tracked for more than ten years.

The findings revealed that people who drank more than 250 grams (roughly one standard can) of either sugar-sweetened or low-/non-sugar-sweetened beverages daily were significantly more likely to develop MASLD.

Specifically, higher intakes of sugar-sweetened drinks were linked to a 50 percent higher risk, while artificially sweetened drinks showed a 60 percent higher risk. Over the 10.3-year follow-up, 1,178 participants developed MASLD and 108 died from liver-related causes.

Understanding MASLD

Although both beverage types increased liver fat accumulation, only the low- or non-sugar-sweetened beverages were associated with a higher risk of liver-related death.

MASLD occurs when excess fat builds up in the liver, leading to inflammation, scarring, and eventually liver damage. Symptoms may include fatigue, abdominal discomfort, and loss of appetite.

Experts estimate that the disease affects more than 30 percent of the global population, making it the most common chronic liver condition worldwide.

“Diet” Drinks Not as Harmless as Believed

Lead study author Dr. Lihe Liu emphasized in a news release that both beverage types deserve attention: “Sugar-sweetened beverages have long been under scrutiny, while their ‘diet’ alternatives are often seen as the healthier choice. Our study shows that these drinks may not be as harmless as many think.”

Even a single can of an artificially sweetened beverage per day was associated with increased risk. Liu explained that sugar-sweetened drinks may raise blood sugar and insulin levels, promote weight gain, and increase uric acid — all of which contribute to liver fat buildup. Artificially sweetened beverages, meanwhile, may disrupt gut bacteria, alter appetite control, and even stimulate insulin release.

Water: Still the Best Choice

Replacing either type of sweetened drink with water lowered the risk of MASLD — by 12.8% for sugar-sweetened beverages and 15.2% for artificially sweetened ones.

“The safest approach is to limit both sugar-sweetened and ‘diet’ drinks. Water remains the best choice for hydration and for protecting liver health,” Dr. Liu stated.