Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 2, 2026

Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
Pre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular risk among women: a review
Raheel Ahmed1, Joseph Dunford1, Roxana Mehran2
1Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom.
Insights
Women with a history of pre-eclampsia face increased cardiovascular disease risk. This review explores the link between pre-eclampsia and future heart complications, highlighting management strategies for affected women.
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiology
- Public Health
Background:
- Cardiovascular disease remains a leading cause of mortality globally.
- While traditional risk factors are well-studied, sex-based discrepancies in cardiovascular disease are under-researched.
- Pre-eclampsia, a pregnancy complication, is linked to long-term cardiovascular risks in women.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between pre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular risk.
- To explore potential management strategies for women with a history of pre-eclampsia.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies examining pre-eclampsia and subsequent cardiovascular outcomes.
- Analysis of existing data on risk factors and management approaches.
Main Results:
- Women with a history of pre-eclampsia exhibit a significantly higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease later in life.
- Pre-eclampsia is identified as a crucial indicator for future cardiovascular complications.
Conclusions:
- Pre-eclampsia represents a critical, yet often overlooked, risk factor for long-term cardiovascular health in women.
- Early identification and proactive cardiovascular risk management are essential for women with a history of pre-eclampsia.
Abstract:
Cardiovascular disease continues to be the leading cause of death in the western world. Due to advancements in diagnosis, prevention, and treatment, cardiovascular mortality has fallen in recent years. Previous studies have evaluated the impact of traditional risk factors such as hypercholesterolemia and smoking. However, limited studies have been conducted to evaluate sex discrepancies among patients with cardiovascular disease. Pre-eclampsia is a multisystem placentally mediated disease, which usually arises after 32 weeks of gestation and classically presents with hypertension and proteinuria. Pre-eclampsia affects 2% to 8% of all pregnancies worldwide and is often complicated by fetal growth restriction. Women with a history of pre-eclampsia are at increased risk of future cardiovascular complications. Therefore, this topic is of significance to the cardiovascular health of over 300 million women worldwide. The goal of this review is to determine the association of pre-eclampsia and future cardiovascular risk and to explore the potential management options for these high-risk women.
Related Concept Videos
Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
Diabetes Mellitus: Type 2 and Gestational
Mitral Valve Prolapse III: Nursing Management
Coronary Artery Disease IV: Preventive Measures
