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Hypertension during pregnancy is associated with coronary artery calcium independent of renal function

Andrea E Cassidy-Bushrow1, Lawrence F Bielak, Andrew D Rule

  • 1Department of Biostatistics, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, Michigan, USA.

Journal of Women'S Health (2002)
|September 30, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) is linked to later coronary heart disease (CHD) risk, independent of kidney function. Women with HDP history need monitoring for increased cardiovascular risk as they age.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Renal Medicine
  • Obstetrics

Background:

  • Hypertension during pregnancy (HDP) elevates future coronary heart disease (CHD) risk.
  • The role of renal injury in mediating this association remains unclear.
  • Reduced renal function is a known complication of HDP and a CHD risk factor.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between a history of HDP and subclinical coronary artery atherosclerosis.
  • To determine if renal function mediates the relationship between HDP and coronary artery calcification (CAC).

Main Methods:

  • Logistic regression analysis was used in 498 women from the Epidemiology of Coronary Artery Calcification Study.
  • Examined the association between HDP history and the presence/extent of coronary artery calcification (CAC).
  • Adjustments were made for age, body size, blood pressure, serum creatinine, and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio.

Main Results:

  • HDP history was associated with increased serum creatinine later in life (p=0.014).
  • HDP was positively associated with the presence of CAC (OR=2.7, 95% CI 1.4-5.4), even after adjustments.
  • The association between HDP and CAC remained significant after accounting for renal function markers.

Conclusions:

  • HDP may increase future CHD risk beyond established risk factors and renal function.
  • Women with a history of HDP warrant monitoring for elevated CHD risk.
  • Early detection and management of cardiovascular risk factors are crucial for women with HDP history.
Abstract

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