Obesity Discussion Forums

[early riser]

Having had 2 high-risk pregnancies in the '80s, I was interested to hear on the news yesterday that this often leads to high blood pressure and high risk for heart problems in midlife--because I have that problem now. I take Atenelol for the blood pressure problem. In addition, I take Levoxyl for a thyroid deficiency.

But I have begun a strict exercise program that I follow daily, and that is helping me keep the blood pressure down, so I've halved the BP pills, with my doctor's permission. I also feel so much better, now that I'm losing weight. The stairs no longer leave me out of breath!

I take calcium, magnesium, zinc and an ortho supplement for my achey knees. These are taken right after my evening meal, while the others are taken in the morning. I understand they can cause interactions, so I spread them out.

Comments welcome--especially from other pre-eclampsia of pregnancy victims....what is your experience in mid-life?

[Obesity Discussion]

VERY interesting. I never would have made the correlation. Any idea who performed the study? I might be able to dig up more info on it.

[Merle]

Originally Posted by early riser

Having had 2 high-risk pregnancies in the '80s, I was interested to hear on the news yesterday that this often leads to high blood pressure and high risk for heart problems in midlife--because I have that problem now. I take Atenelol for the blood pressure problem. In addition, I take Levoxyl for a thyroid deficiency.

But I have begun a strict exercise program that I follow daily, and that is helping me keep the blood pressure down, so I've halved the BP pills, with my doctor's permission. I also feel so much better, now that I'm losing weight. The stairs no longer leave me out of breath!

I take calcium, magnesium, zinc and an ortho supplement for my achey knees. These are taken right after my evening meal, while the others are taken in the morning. I understand they can cause interactions, so I spread them out.

Comments welcome--especially from other pre-eclampsia of pregnancy victims....what is your experience in mid-life?

I have had a high risk pregnancy myself and also have had blood pressure and heart problems too. I do wonder if there is some sort of correlation?

[early riser]

Originally Posted by Obesity Discussion

VERY interesting. I never would have made the correlation. Any idea who performed the study? I might be able to dig up more info on it.

I racked my brain, and finally remembered where I saw this. It is in the August Good Housekeeping Magazine, page 39. Quoted below,

"If you are among the 8 percent of women who developed temporary high blood pressure during pregnancy, here's another reason to follow a heart-healthy lifestyle. Until recently, doctors assumed the problem wouldn't affect the mother's future health. But now Dutch researchers, using a special CT scan, have found that post-menopausal women who had pregnancy-induced hypertension are 64 percent more likely to have calcium buildup in their arteries--a strong predictor of heart disease. So if you developed even mild hypertension when you were pregnant, tell your doctor. And do everything else you can--eat right, exercise--to keep your heart strong."