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Hypertension in pregnancy

Amanda R Vest1, Leslie S Cho

  • 1Heart and Vascular Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA.

Cardiology Clinics
|July 21, 2012
PubMed

Hypertension in pregnancy is diagnosed on systolic blood pressure greater than or equal to 140 mm Hg and/or diastolic greater than or equal to 90 mm Hg. The classification systems separate chronic and gestational hypertension from preeclampsia. Significant uncertainty regarding optimal management is reflected in the differing major international society recommendations. Blood pressure treatment is designed to minimize maternal end-organ damage. Methyldopa, labetalol, hydralazine, and nifedipine are oral options; angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors and angiotensin receptor antagonists are contraindicated. Women with preeclampsia should be closely monitored and receive intravenous magnesium sulfate.

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