Risk factors for cardiovascular disease among pregnant women in San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Abstract Background: In Puerto Rico (PR), the burden of risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVDRF) in women is high. CVDRF during pregnancy is a threat to maternal and child health. Little is known about CVDRF among pregnant women in PR. Methods: Cross-sectional study using data from pregnancy charts (n=264; no prior pregnancies) from an outpatient clinic in PR. CVDRF included: pre-pregnancy obesity, type 2 diabetes (T2D), and hypertension, and gestational diabetes and hypertension. Age was categorized as: 21-25y,26- 30y, and 31-35y. Analyses included adjusted logistic and multinomial regressions. Results: Obesity pre-pregnancy was the most common CVDRF (23.5%). Women of 31-35y (vs. 21-25y) had higher odds of T2D/gestational diabetes (OR=4.66; 95% CI=1.18, 18.4) and were more likely to experience 2+ CVDRF (RRR=2.73; 95% CI=1.10, 6.80). Discussion: Pregnant women in PR experienced CVDRF, and these were more common among women of older age. Studies are needed to confirm our findings and monitor the health of women at high risk of CVD during postpartum. Significance: There is a need for studies documenting CVD risk factors among pregnant women in PR. Such knowledge is needed for early intervention and to preserve women’s health and that of children in PR.