Microvascular dysfunction: a link between pre-eclampsia and maternal coronary heart disease.
Epidemiological studies have recently demonstrated a relationship between pre-eclampsia and coronary heart disease. Insulin resistance has been implicated as a common factor. We have demonstrated, for the first time, using laser Doppler imaging in vivo, impaired microvascular function in women 15-25 years following a pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia. Thus, microvascular dysfunction, which is associated with insulin resistance, may be a predisposing vascular mechanism for both coronary heart disease and pre-eclampsia. Pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia may identify women at risk of vascular disease in later life and may provide the opportunity for lifestyle and risk factor modification to alter maternal vascular disease risk.
Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust, UK.
Jane E
JE
Ramsay
Frances
F
Stewart
Ian A
IA
Greer
Naveed
N
Sattar
D000328:Adult; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000209:etiology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008833:Microcirculation / Q000502:physiology; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000503:physiopathology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013997:Time Factors; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000503:physiopathology*; D014664:Vasodilation / Q000502:physiology