Key result
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy linked to ~7-fold higher risk of maternal chronic hypertension postpartum.
Why the study?
Does exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers and their offspring?
Does exposure to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy increase the risk of cardiovascular disease in mothers and their offspring?
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy unmask a lifelong cardiovascular vulnerability in affected women and confer intergenerational risk to their offspring, necessitating integrated maternal-offspring cardiovascular care.
Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) affect 5-10% of pregnancies globally and are a leading cause of maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Beyond their acute obstetrics impact, HDP unmask a lifelong cardiovascular (CV) vulnerability in affected women and confer intergenerational risk to their offspring. PURPOSE OF REVIEW: In this review, we discuss the latest evidence regarding the CV risk profiles following HDP in the mothers and their offspring. RECENT FINDINGS: In mothers, HDP is associated with a 7.29-fold increased risk of new chronic hypertension (HTN) within 24 months postpartum and long-term risks of heart failure, coronary heart disease and stroke. Offspring exposed carry a 1.5-fold increased risk for adult HTN and increased risks for ischemic heart disease and stroke. We review evidence on potential pathophysiologic mechanisms including shared genetic, epigenetic programming and persistent immune dysregulation that contribute to the CV risk. We make recommendations on surveillance strategies in mothers and their offspring beginning in the immediate postpartum period and for lifelong follow-up. Management strategies of the CV risk factors, using latest guidelines are discussed. We suggest future directions for research and intervention. Integrated maternal-offspring CV care, women-specific risk prediction tools and equity focused research are needed to reduce the intergenerational burden of HDP.
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Das et al. (2026) conducted a review in Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy vs. Normotensive pregnancy was evaluated on Cardiovascular disease risk (chronic hypertension, heart failure, coronary heart disease, stroke). Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with a 7.29-fold increased risk of new chronic hypertension within 24 months postpartum and confer a 1.5-fold increased risk for adult hypertension in offspring.
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