Number of children emerging as cardiovascular risk factor for both parents

Number of children is emerging as a novel factor that influences the risk for some cardiovascular diseases (CVD), and in some societies in both parents, according to Professor Vera Regitz-Zagrosek, chairperson of the European Society of Cardiology “management of CVD During Pregnancy” guidelines task force. Her comments come as new research published in Circulation found that experiencing multiple pregnancies increases a woman’s risk of developing atrial fibrillation (AF) later in life. “The authors describe a linear increase in AF with increasing number of children” said Professor Regitz-Zagrosek. “This is interesting by itself and an explanation could be given by biological