Key result
Gestational hypertension was associated with attenuated responses to head-up tilt in total power and VLF power compared to healthy pregnancies (p < 0.001 to p < 0.01).
Why the study?
Does gestational hypertension alter cardiovascular autonomic responses to head-up tilt compared to normal pregnancy?
Observational (n=56)
Does gestational hypertension alter cardiovascular autonomic responses to head-up tilt compared to normal pregnancy?
Gestational hypertension is associated with attenuated autonomic cardiovascular regulatory responses to orthostatic stress, but these changes appear reversible after pregnancy.
Gestational hypertension may blunt autonomic tilt responses; leaves open reversibility and long-term cardiovascular implications.
AIMS: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of gestational hypertension on hemodynamics and cardiovascular autonomic regulation at rest and their responses to head-up tilt (HUT). We prospectively studied 56 pregnant women (28 with gestational hypertension and 28 healthy pregnant women) during the third trimester of pregnancy and 3 months after pregnancy. MAJOR FINDINGS: In women with pregnancy-induced hypertension, compared with control women, there were significant differences in hemodynamics and in markers of cardiovascular regulation (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Postural change from the supine to the upright position was associated with significant changes in hemodynamic responses in both groups during pregnancy (from p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Regulatory response to HUT in both groups was characterized with a decrease in HF power and increase in LF/HF ratio (from p < 0.01 to p < 0.001). Responses to HUT in total power and VLF power were attenuated in hypertensive pregnancies (p < 0.001 to p < 0.01, respectively, vs control group). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that autonomic cardiovascular regulation may not play a major role in women with gestational hypertension . The lack of irreversible changes in autonomic nervous function in hypertensive women appeared to be a feature of gestational-induced hypertension.
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Heiskanen et al. (2010) conducted an observational in Gestational hypertension (n=56). Gestational hypertension vs. Healthy pregnant women was evaluated on Hemodynamics and cardiovascular autonomic regulation at rest and responses to head-up tilt (p=<0.05 to <0.001). Gestational hypertension was associated with attenuated responses to head-up tilt in total power and VLF power compared to healthy pregnancies (p < 0.001 to p < 0.01).
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