Key result
Pregnancy-associated hypertension was associated with higher arterial pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction, increased left ventricular mass, and reduced LV relaxation.
Why the study?
Does pregnancy-associated hypertension alter the 24-h arterial pressure profile and left ventricular structure and function compared to normotensive pregnancy?
Observational (n=20)
Does pregnancy-associated hypertension alter the 24-h arterial pressure profile and left ventricular structure and function compared to normotensive pregnancy?
Pregnancy-associated hypertension is driven by peripheral vasoconstriction rather than increased cardiac output, leading to increased left ventricular mass and impaired relaxation.
OBJECTIVE: To characterize the 24-h arterial pressure (AP) profile and the left ventricular (LV) structures and functions in women with pregnancy-associated hypertension. METHODS: Twenty nulliparous pregnant women after 20 weeks' gestation, 10 normotensive and 10 hypertensive women matched for gestational age, were hemodynamically investigated using 24-h AP monitoring and Doppler echocardiography to determine LV structures and functions, both systolic and diastolic. RESULTS: The hypertensive women had significantly higher AP determinations throughout the 24 h, with no change in diurnal variation, i.e. nocturnal decline and early morning peaks. Their LV mass was greater and it was accompanied by a slight reduction in contractility and a significant reduction in LV relaxation. The increased AP was due to peripheral vasoconstriction, while cardiac output was preserved. CONCLUSIONS: It appears that pregnancy-associated hypertension is caused mainly by arterial vasoconstriction and not by higher cardiac output. The hypertension increases the LV mass, which is associated with a fall in LV relaxation.
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Oren et al. (1994) conducted an observational in Pregnancy-associated hypertension (n=20). Pregnancy-associated hypertension vs. Normotensive pregnancy was evaluated on 24-h arterial pressure profile and left ventricular structures and functions. Pregnancy-associated hypertension was associated with higher arterial pressure due to peripheral vasoconstriction, increased left ventricular mass, and reduced LV relaxation.
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