(NaturalPath) During pregnancy, a woman’s immune system is depressed making her more sensitive to the world around. A newly published study is now showing that when a pregnant woman is exposed to PVC’s and chemicals used in vinyl flooring, it can increase their risk for heart disease. Individuals can be exposed to these phthalates through inhalation, skin absorption and by oral consumption through food or drinks.
Researchers examined phthalate levels in the urine of 369 pregnant women and also monitored their blood pressure and any heart problems during pregnancy. The study found that women with higher blood pressure in pregnancy have higher phthalate metabolite levels.
Currently, the mechanism is unknown of how these phthalate metabolites are affecting heart health, and leading to a greater risk of heart problems. One theory is that through oxidative stress, and stress to detoxification pathways, there is more stress to vasculature and increased inflammation. However, to date, these theories are purely speculative, and more research needs to be done into the specifics of how these metabolites affect cardiovascular health.
http://www.environmentalhealthnews.org/ehs/news/2015/sep/phthalates-pregnant-blood-pressure-chemicals-heart-disease
Razi Berry, Founder and Publisher of Naturopathic Doctor News & Review (ndnr.com) and NaturalPath (thenatpath.com), has spent the last decade as a natural medicine advocate and marketing whiz. She has galvanized and supported the naturopathic community, bringing a higher quality of healthcare to millions of North Americans through her publications. A self-proclaimed health-food junkie and mother of two; she loves all things nature, is obsessed with organic gardening, growing fruit trees (not easy in Phoenix), laughing until she snorts, and homeschooling. She is a little bit crunchy and yes, that is her real name.