title: [Chronic hypertension and pregnancy].
abstract: Survey about the combination of chronic hypertension and pregnancy. In contrary to the definition usually used in pregnancy blood pressure more than 140/90 mm Hg (18,7/12,0 kPa) is defined as hypertension. The incidence rate of chronic hypertension in fertile women in 3 percent. Superimposed toxemia is the most common complication. Significant correlation exists between diastolic blood pressure and perinatal mortality and intrauterine growth retardation. Hemodynamic changes are characterized by elevated total peripheral resistance and decreased plasma volume. Initially cardiac output is elevated, but more and more decreased, if the hypertension has been manifesting for some time. In pregnancy there should be an etiologic differentiation. An intensive team work between physicians and obstetricians is necessary for therapy. Principles of treatment generally accepted are phases of physical inactivity and avoidance of an excessive increase of body weight. No salt restriction. The opinions about the necessity of normalization of blood pressure during pregnancy by drugs are controversial. The recommendations of administration of antihypertensive drugs seem to succeed, because in controlled studies there was a decreased perinatal mortality.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D006439:Hemodynamics; D006801:Humans; D006973:Hypertension / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D011247:Pregnancy; D011249:Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular / Q000175:diagnosis
vernacular_title: Chronische Hypertonie und Schwangerschaft.