Hypertensive pregnancy disorders as a risk factor for future cardiovascular and metabolic disorders (Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study)

BACKGROUND: Although hypertensive pregnancy disorders (HPD) are common worldwide, there is no consensus regarding their long-term cardiovascular and metabolic consequences. We aimed to ascertain the association between HPD and the development of cardiovascular and metabolic disturbances later in life. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A cohort of 226 women with a history of HPD was selected as the case group, and a group of 226 age- and body-mass-index-matched women, with no history of HPD, was selected as controls. Both groups were selected from among participants of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study and were compared for concentrations of metabolic parameters and incidence of hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and dyslipidemia over a follow up of 10 years. RESULTS: Women with a history of HPD, compared with age- and body-mass-index-matched women without such a history, had an increased risk of cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including a twofold increased risk for hypertension (95% confidence interval CI: 1.4-3.2), a threefold increased risk for T2DM (95% CI: 1.8-5.2) and a 1.3-fold increased risk for dyslipidemia (95% CI: 1.2-1.5). CONCLUSIONS: Women with a history of hypertension in pregnancy are at increased risk for subsequent diagnosis of hypertension, dyslipidemia and T2DM later in life. These women may benefit from close monitoring and timely implementation of primary prevention measures of cardiovascular and metabolic risk factors and lifestyle modifications.