Maternal chronic hypertension increased by 67% from 2000 to 2009, prompting revised best practice recommendations for its diagnosis and management.
How should chronic hypertension in pregnancy be defined, diagnosed, and managed?
This practice bulletin provides updated criteria and evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of chronic hypertension during pregnancy.
Chronic hypertension is present in 0.9-1.5% of pregnant women () and may result in significant maternal, fetal, and neonatal morbidity and mortality. The rate of maternal chronic hypertension increased by 67% from 2000 to 2009, with the largest increase (87%) among African American women. This increase is largely secondary to the obesity epidemic and increasing maternal age (). The trend is expected to continue.The purpose of this document is to clarify the criteria used to define and diagnose chronic hypertension before or during pregnancy, to review the effects of chronic hypertension on pregnancy and vice versa, and to appraise the available evidence for management options. The purpose of these revised best practice recommendations is to provide a rational approach to chronic hypertension in pregnancy based on new research data and relevant pathophysiologic and pharmacologic considerations.
A Tue, study conducted a review in Chronic hypertension in pregnancy. Chronic hypertension was evaluated. Maternal chronic hypertension increased by 67% from 2000 to 2009, prompting revised best practice recommendations for its diagnosis and management.