LOS ANGELES — Heart disease is the leading cause of death for women in the U.S., and new research reveals that pregnancy significantly increases the risk — especially for women in their 30s.

For Rachel Mahgerefteh, a mother of six, heart health is a daily priority. She takes walks every day — a habit born from necessity after surviving a heart attack at just 34 years old, shortly after giving birth.

“I thought I had heartburn,” Mahgerefteh said. “I didn’t know what was going on.”

Mahgerefteh’s experience highlights a growing trend. According to research published in Mayo Clinic Proceedings, women aged 35 to 39 face a heart attack risk five times greater during or after pregnancy, compared to women in their 20s. Most incidents occur postpartum.

Dr. Janet Wei, associate professor of cardiology at Cedars-Sinai Heart Institute, explains that pregnancy is one of the first major stress tests for a woman’s heart.

“During pregnancy, our heart is challenged,” said Wei. “It has to work harder to provide blood flow for not just the mother, but also the baby.” 

This increased strain continues after delivery as the body undergoes dramatic shifts in blood flow, adding stress to the heart.

Two major factors contributing to this trend are changing demographics and rising obesity rates. More women are delaying childbirth until their 30s.

“We are also seeing an obesity epidemic here in California and across the nation,” Wei said. “That also contributes to the morbidity and mortality related to cardiovascular disease.”

According to a study in The Lancet, more than 80% of Americans could be overweight or obese by 2050, further compounding cardiovascular risks.

Wei emphasizes the importance of regular checkups to assess risk factors and warns women to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms such as shortness of breath, leg swelling or chest discomfort.

For Mahgerefteh, protecting her health is a lesson in setting boundaries and prioritizing well-being.

“This notion of trying to do everything yourself and do it perfectly is not realistic,” she said. “You just have to let it go.”

It’s a lesson not just for herself, but also for the health of her family.