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How to lower risk of heart attacks in new mothers
28 Apr 2026

New research has suggested that regular home blood pressure checks could reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, and even potential early death in new mothers who suffered from hypertension during pregnancy.

The study was conducted by scientists at the University of Oxford.

They found that women who monitored their blood pressure regularly in the weeks following childbirth, showed better arterial function nine months later than those who received routine care.

Adjusting medication as per blood pressure changes
Medication adjustment

The study also found that when medication was adjusted according to blood pressure changes, women had less stiff arteries.

This is a major finding as stiffer arteries are less effective at expanding and contracting, which can lead to high blood pressure and ultimately the formation of clots, that block blood vessels and cause heart attacks or strokes.

Weeks after childbirth present overlooked opportunity to help women
Health protection

Professor Paul Leeson, a cardiovascular medicine expert who led the study, said these findings indicate that the weeks after childbirth present a "powerful and often overlooked opportunity" to protect women's future health.

He emphasized that by just monitoring blood pressure at home, new mothers with hypertensive pregnancies can shield their bodies from future harm.

Hypertension during pregnancy
Long-term risks

Hypertension during pregnancy, which affects 5-10% of pregnant women, can damage the mother's organs and threaten the baby's life.

Beyond immediate threats, it can also increase long-term health risks.

Women with a history of hypertensive pregnancies are three times more likely to develop high blood pressure and twice as likely to develop heart disease later in life.

Study involved 220 women on blood pressure medication
Study findings

The Oxford study involved 220 women who had developed hypertension during pregnancy.

All were on blood pressure medication but were due to lower their dosage and eventually stop taking the drugs.

Of these, 108 women received standard care with medication reduced based on few blood pressure checks in the eight weeks after giving birth.

The other women used a monitor for daily home blood pressure checks, feeding the readings into an app shared with doctors who adjusted their medication accordingly.

Trials underway to find effective ways of blood pressure monitoring
Future trials

The new approach led to better blood pressure control in women and less stiff arteries in tests conducted six to nine months later.

Trials are now underway to find effective methods of rolling out blood pressure monitoring for women after hypertensive pregnancies.

Dr. Sonya Babu-Narayan, Clinical Director at the British Heart Foundation which funded this research, said these results highlight a critical window post-birth where close monitoring could safeguard women's heart health for years ahead.