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Microvascular dysfunction: a link between pre-eclampsia and maternal coronary heart disease.
Jane E Ramsay1, Frances Stewart, Ian A Greer
1Division of Developmental Medicine, University of Glasgow, Glasgow Royal Infirmary University NHS Trust, UK.
BJOG : an International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology
|November 1, 2003
Summary
Pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia is linked to later coronary heart disease. Impaired microvascular function, a marker of insulin resistance, may underlie this increased vascular disease risk in women.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Reproductive Medicine
- Metabolic Health
Background:
- Epidemiological studies suggest a link between pre-eclampsia and coronary heart disease.
- Insulin resistance is a potential common factor implicated in both conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate microvascular function in women following a pregnancy complicated by pre-eclampsia.
- To explore the potential role of microvascular dysfunction as a shared mechanism for pre-eclampsia and coronary heart disease.
Main Methods:
- Utilized laser Doppler imaging in vivo to assess microvascular function.
- Studied women 15-25 years postpartum after pregnancies complicated by pre-eclampsia.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated impaired microvascular function in women postpartum following pre-eclampsia.
- This dysfunction is associated with insulin resistance.
Conclusions:
- Microvascular dysfunction may be a predisposing vascular mechanism for both coronary heart disease and pre-eclampsia.
- Pregnancies with pre-eclampsia may identify women at future vascular disease risk.
- This presents an opportunity for early intervention and risk factor modification.