Postpartum Cardiovascular Risk in Women with Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the postpartum cardiovascular risk in women with hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP), focusing on blood pressure, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), metabolic syndrome, and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) to assess long-term cardiovascular complications.

Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted at the Department of Cardiology, Hayatabad Medical Complex Peshawar from June 2023 to June 2024. A total of 160 women were included, with 80 women in the HDP group and 80 women in the control group. Data on blood pressure, hs-CRP, proteinuria, LVH, and metabolic syndrome were collected and analysed. Statistical analyses included t-tests for continuous variables and Chi-square tests for categorical variables.

Results: The study revealed significant differences between the HDP and control groups. Systolic blood pressure was higher in the HDP group (155.8 ± 8.4 mmHg) compared to the control group (119.2 ± 6.9 mmHg, p < 0.0001). Diastolic blood pressure was also elevated in the HDP group (100.2 ± 6.1 mmHg) versus the control group (77.3 ± 5.7 mmHg, p < 0.0001). High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels were significantly higher in the HDP group (7.4 ± 2.6 mg/L) compared to controls (2.1 ± 0.9 mg/L, p < 0.0001). Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) was present in 36% of HDP patients, compared to 10% in the control group (p = 0.0013). Additionally, 55% of women with HDP had metabolic syndrome, versus 26% in the control group (p = 0.0045). These findings highlight the elevated cardiovascular risks in women with HDP.

Conclusion: Women with HDP face significantly elevated cardiovascular risks postpartum. These findings underscore the importance of early screening and postpartum cardiovascular monitoring for women with HDP to mitigate long-term cardiovascular complications.