Preeclampsia and future cardiovascular risk

Abstract

Introduction: Preeclampsia is a pregnancy-specific disorder resulting in hypertension and multiorgan dysfunction. There is growing evidence that these effects persist after pregnancy. We aimed to systematically evaluate and quantify the evidence on the relationship between preeclampsia and the future risk of cardiovascular diseases. The goal of this review is to determine the association between preeclampsia and future cardiovascular risk and to explore the potential management options for these high-risk women. Materials and methods: Study of obstetrical history of patients with ischemic cardiovascular diseases. The study performed in the Cardiology department of IMSP SCM-3 mun. Chişinău during 2014-2016. The study also included 98 pregnant women whose pregnancy was complicated by preeclampsia of various degrees of severity during 2010-2012, analyzed after 5 years. Discussion results The study found that 29 patients out of 52 had complicated pregnancies with preeclampsia, accounting for 56%, 13 patients having complicated pregnancies - 25% and 19% - 10 patients had a physiological pregnancy. Preeclampsia is a major risk factor for developing cardiovascular complications 3 times more frequently than uncomplicated pregnancies (OR 17.62; 95% CI 6.65 to 46.4) P < 0.001. Women with a history of preeclampsia have a double risk of subsequent ischemic heart disease, stroke, and thromboembolic events within the next 5-15 years after pregnancy. None of the 98 women after birth complicated with preeclampsia was monitored, and so they developed complications. Conclusion: Preeclampsia is associated with a 4-fold increase in future incident heart failure and a 2-fold increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and death because of coronary heart or cardiovascular disease. This important association can be used to screen for women with an increased risk to better target counseling on lifestyle modifications such as weight loss, exercise, and a healthier diet.