A history of preeclampsia identifies women who have underlying cardiovascular risk factors.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study was to prospectively assess physical and biochemical cardiovascular risk markers in women who had developed preeclampsia (PE) at 1 year postpartum.


METHODS
Following an overnight fast, previously PE (n = 70) and normotensive women (n = 70) had weight and blood pressure recorded and levels of morning blood for insulin, glucose, C-reactive protein, lipids, cholesterol, and urine for microalbumin and creatinine measured. Body mass index, homeostatic model assessment index, and incidence of metabolic syndrome were determined.


RESULTS
At 1 year postpartum, markers of cardiovascular disease were different between the groups. There were also differences in the number of women with abnormal values. Mathematical modeling of cardiovascular event risk suggests that PE increases the risk by 2- to 3-fold; the risk was greatest for women with severe PE.


CONCLUSIONS
The development of PE is 1 of the earliest clinically identifiable markers of a woman's heightened risk of cardiovascular disease.
Smith
Graeme N
GN
Queen's Perinatal Research Unit, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Kingston General Hospital, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada. gns@queensu.ca
Walker
Mark C
MC
Liu
Aizhong
A
Wen
Shi Wu
SW
Swansburg
Melissa
M
Ramshaw
Heather
H
White
Ruth Rennicks
RR
Roddy
Michelle
M
Hladunewich
Michelle
M
D000328:Adult; D000419:Albuminuria / Q000097:blood / Q000652:urine; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000378:metabolism; D001794:Blood Pressure; D002097:C-Reactive Protein / Q000378:metabolism; D002318:Cardiovascular Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D002784:Cholesterol / Q000097:blood; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003404:Creatinine / Q000652:urine; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007328:Insulin / Q000097:blood; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000097:blood / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D015233:Models, Statistical; D011225:Pre-Eclampsia / Q000097:blood* / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood; D014463:Ultrasonography
D001786:Blood Glucose; D007328:Insulin; D014280:Triglycerides; D002097:C-Reactive Protein; D002784:Cholesterol; D003404:Creatinine