Pre-eclampsia is a risk factor of carotid artery atherosclerosis

A history of pre-eclampsia has been shown to be associated with an increased risk of subsequent coronary artery disease. The intima-media thickness of carotid arteries and the detection of plaques are useful measures as regards preclinical atherosclerosis. The aim of this study was to examine whether women with a history of pre-eclampsia more often show signs of atherosclerosis compared with 2 control groups.

We used data from a large Finnish cross-sectional health examination survey. We had women with previous pre-eclampsia (n = 35) or pregnancy-induced hypertension (n = 61) and 2 control groups. Laboratory tests and physical examination were performed. Information on reproductive and medical history was obtained at the home interview. Carotid atherosclerosis was assessed by ultrasonography.

The women with previous pre-eclampsia had significantly (p = 0.008) more atherosclerotic plaques than the healthy parous controls. The intima-media thickness in the women with previous pre-eclampsia also tended to be higher than in the other groups, although the differences did not reach statistical significance. In logistic regression analysis, advanced age (OR: 1.08; 95% CI: 1.04-1.13; p < 0.001) and pre-eclampsia (OR: 3.63; 95% CI: 1.50-8.79; p = 0.004) were independent risk factors as regards plaque, and in linear regression analysis advanced age (estimate: 0.012; 95% CI: 0.010-0.014; p < 0.001), HDL cholesterol (estimate: -0.049; 95% CI: -0.088 to -0.010; p = 0.013), systolic blood pressure, BMI (estimate: 0.005; 95% CI: 0.000-0.009; p = 0.043) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (estimate: -0.003; 95% CI: -0.007 to -0.000; p = 0.048) were independent risk factors with respect to intima-media thickness.

Our data suggest that pre-eclampsia is an independent risk factor as regards developing plaque later in life.