Cardiovascular risk factors associated with hypertension during pregnancy

This study looked at the risk of cardiovascular disease associated with different forms of hypertension during pregnancy. The authors concluded that patients who experienced early-onset preeclampsia showed higher levels of cardiovascular risk factors after pregnancy. These patients were also more likely to develop hypertension after pregnancy.

Patients with hypertension have a higher resting blood pressure than the body needs. The blood pressure needs to be lowered to avoid cardiovascular disease (CVD). CVD can lead to heart attacks, strokes and heart failure.

Pregnancy can cause hypertension in some women; this is known as pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). If a patient has PIH and also shows high levels of protein in their urine this is known as preeclampsia. Diagnosis of preeclampsia after 34 weeks is called late-onset preeclampsia. Diagnosis before 34 weeks of pregnancy it is known as early-onset preeclampsia and is more severe. It is thought that increased risk of CVD after pregnancy depends on the severity of hypertension during pregnancy. 

The authors examined the link between the severity of hypertension during pregnancy and risk factors associated with CVD after pregnancy.

448 women with previous early-onset preeclampsia, 76 women with previous late onset-preeclampsia and 224 women with previous PIH were included in this study. Some of the CVD risk factors monitored during a follow-up period were blood pressure, blood sugar, insulin, cholesterol and triglycerides (fat).

The previous early-onset preeclampsia group showed significantly higher levels of blood sugar, insulin, triglycerides and cholesterol than the previous late-onset preeclampsia or PIH groups.  

45% of the early-onset preeclampsia group developed hypertension after pregnancy. Only 25% of the late-onset preeclampsia group and 39% of the PIH group developed hypertension after pregnancy. 

This study concluded that women who experience early-onset preeclampsia have higher levels of CVD risk factors after pregnancy. They are also more likely to develop hypertension after pregnancy. 

This data was collected from two different groups of patients and follow-up periods varied between groups.

Consult with your physician to discuss treatment of hypertension and preeclampsia during pregnancy.