Breastfeeding reduces the risk of maternal cardiovascular disease, stroke, and heart attack, continued

Researchers have found that mothers who do not breastfeed their infants experience an increased risk of vascular changes associated with future cardiovascular disease. In a study of 297 women, mothers who had never breastfed were five times more likely to have artery calcifications than were women who had breastfed.

In a study of nearly 300 women, researchers found that 32% of the women who had not breastfed had coronary artery calcification, compared with 17% of the breastfeeding moms. The researchers found calcifications in 39% of the aortas of women who hadn't breastfed, versus 17% of the women who had. They also found plaque deposits in the carotid artery of 18% of the women who had not breastfed and 10% of those who had. After adjusting for variables such as socioeconomic status, family history, lifestyle factors, risk factors and body mass, researchers concluded that women who had never breastfed were five times more likely to have artery calcifications than were women who had breastfed. After adjustment for age, parity, and study site, significant protective relationships were seen between lactation and multiple markers of subclinical cardiovascular disease, including aortic calcification, coronary calcification, and adventitial diameter. However, after adjustment for other lifestyle and family history variables, a significant association was only seen between aortic and coronary calcification and consistent lactation for 3 months or more postpartum. Calcifications or plaque deposits can build up over time and restrict blood flow, cause stroke or heart attack. This study is consistent with a number of other pieces of research verifying that women who do not breastfeed are at greater risk of clinical cardiovascular disease.

Schwarz, EB, McClure CK, Tepper, PG, et al. Lactation and maternal measures of subclinical cardiovascular disease. Obstetrics & Gynecology 2010; 115:41-48.

Available for download at: http://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Fulltext/2010/01000/Lactation_and_Maternal_Measures_of_Subclinical.8.aspx