Stroke Association's comment to BMJ paper: "Infertility and pregnancy loss may increase women’s risk of stroke"

Dr Clare Jonas, Research Communications and Engagement Lead at the Stroke Association said:

“This large study provides useful data which will help dispel previous confusion about whether infertility, miscarriage and stillbirth are risk factors for stroke.

“We now know that a link does exist. However, the reason for this link is still unknown and we need more research to understand what exactly is going on. In addition, the majority of participants in this study were white. Since stroke is more common in Black and South Asian communities, researchers will need to investigate links between stroke, infertility and pregnancy loss for people in those communities.

“It’s particularly important for people who have struggled to get pregnant or have experienced pregnancy loss to be aware of and monitor their risk factors for stroke, like high blood pressure. Healthcare services must also be vigilant in monitoring these risk factors.”