Thrombophilia Mediates Lowering Cardiovascular Risk Factors in Women with a History of Preeclampsia

Abstract

Objective. Preeclampsia is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. The aim of this pilot study was to assess whether the presence of thrombophilia results in a greater tendency to develop endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases. Methods. Ten women with thrombophilia were matched with 10 women without thrombophilia for a history of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy. Laboratory measurements: blood pressure, insulin sensitivity, and micro- and macrovascular function were determined. Results. Women with thrombophilia had significant lower total- and low-density cholesterol, were more insulin sensitive, and had better microvascular function. Conclusion. This study suggests that thrombophilia “mediates” in lowering of cardiovascular risk factors in women with a history of preeclampsia.

• Preeclampsia
• Thrombophilia

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Prof. Dr. C.D. Stehouwer helped conceiving the study. We want to thank Gianni Bocca for performing the hyperinsulinemic clamp technique, Greetje de Vries for testing macrovascular function, and Ingrid Knufman for testing microvascular function.

Details of Ethics Approval

The study was approved by the medical ethical committee of the VU University Medical Center on August 28, 2001 under the reference number 99/160.

Funding

None.

Declaration of Interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this paper.