Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: preventative-, immediate- and long-term management

Abstract

The hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common and continue to be significant contributors to maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, both globally and in the UK. This review aims to describe the recent developments in the understanding of the pathophysiology of the disease processes, potential strategies for identification of women at high risk, and current and future therapeutic strategies for the treatment and prevention of hypertension in pregnancy. Women who experience adverse pregnancy outcomes are also at increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease, and potential therapeutic strategies to minimize their risk profile are discussed.

Keywords::

• eclampsia
• fetus
• gestational hypertension
• hypertension
• pre-eclampsia
• pregnancy

Notes

BP: Blood pressure; ISSHP: International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy.

Adapted from [9].

ICSI: Intracytoplasmic sperm injection; IVF: In vitro fertilization.

Adapted from [19,20].