Preeclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

Women with cardiovascular risk factors are more likely to develop preeclampsia — and women who have preeclampsia are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular (CV) risk factors have been linked to preeclampsia, but the role of modifiable risk factors before pregnancy has not been adequately addressed; moreover, most studies have been too small to allow for precise estimates of CV risk after preeclampsia. Now, two research teams have examined the associations among preeclampsia, CV risk factors, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) in a population-based prospective study and a meta-analysis.

In the prospective study, 3500 Norwegian women were assessed for CV risk factors and for the development of preeclampsia. Risk for preeclampsia varied linearly with prepregnancy systolic and diastolic blood pressures; women with a baseline BP >130/78 mm Hg had a six- to sevenfold greater risk for pre…

Reviewing Author

Wendy S. Biggs, MD

Preeclampsia and Cardiovascular Disease: Two Sides of the Same Coin?

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Reviewing Author