BHF chief calls on PM to act on organ donation law Study finds increased heart disease in women with problems in pregnancy

[A NEW STUDY published in the British Medical Journal has found that women who experience complications during pregnancy, such as pre-eclampsia or gestational diabetes, have a higher risk of developing heart disease later in life. The study, conducted by researchers at the University of Cambridge, analysed data from over one million women in the UK who had given birth between 1997 and 2018.

The study followed the women for an average of 11 years after their last pregnancy, during which time over 14,000 cases of cardiovascular disease were recorded. The researchers found that women who had experienced pregnancy complications had a 70% higher risk of developing heart disease compared to those who had not. Risk was higher for women who had multiple pregnancy complications or who gave birth to a low birth-weight baby.

[THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE of the British Heart Foundation (BHF), Dr Charmaine Griffiths, has written to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to call for the full implementation of ‘Dáithí’s Law’ on organ donation in Northern Ireland. The legislation, named after six-year-old BHF Heart Hero winner Dáithí Mac Gabhann – who is on a waiting list for a heart transplant – has been delayed because of the absence of a Northern Ireland Executive.

The law, which was passed by the Northern Ireland Assembly last year, would mean everyone would be considered a potential organ donor unless they opt out or are in an exempted group. It was due to come into effect this spring but has been stalled as secondary legislation is required to see its full implementation, which cannot now happen without an Executive in place. The legislation could be passed at Westminster, which would see Dáithí’s Law implemented as planned and the Mac Gabhann family have called on the Secretary of State for Northern Ireland to act.

In a letter to Prime Minister Sunak, Dr Griffiths – pictured with Dáithí, his parents Seph and Máirtín and head of BHFNI Fearghal McKinney –says: “The British Heart Foundation have campaigned for this change in organ donation law for many years across the UK and most recently in Northern Ireland.

“We have been proud to stand alongside Dáithí and the organ donation and transplant community as we have worked together to see Dáithí’s Law passed. We are very close to the soft opt-out system for organ donation being operational across the entire UK, which could increase the number of organ transplants and help to save lives.

“We are asking for your support to help this positive and uniting campaign reach its ultimate conclusion. We trust that your government, the Rt Hon Chris Heaton Harris MP, Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, and the Department of Health in Northern Ireland can work together to pass the necessary secondary legislation and make Dáithí’s Law a reality in spring 2023.” q

Women who had pre-eclampsia had the highest risk, with a threefold increase in their risk of heart disease compared to women who had not experienced the condition.

The study’s findings underscore the importance of healthcare providers ensuring appropriate follow up for this population, according to the British Cardiovascular Society. Women who have experienced pregnancy complications should be considered a highrisk group for heart disease, and cardiovascular risk factors should be monitored and managed accordingly. Clinicians should consider the importance of a detailed obstetric history when considering an individual’s overall cardiovascular risk. q