A Prediction Formula for Double Product in Pregnancy

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Physiology
• Maternal-Fetal Medicine

Background:

• Pregnancy involves significant maternal cardiovascular adaptations.
• The double product (heart rate × systolic blood pressure) reflects myocardial oxygen demand and cardiac workload.
• Elevated double product is a risk factor in hypertensive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the changes in double product across pregnancy trimesters.
• To compare double product levels between pregnant women and non-pregnant controls.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study involving 220 healthy women (18-35 years).
• Groups included 60 subjects each in the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd trimesters, plus 40 non-pregnant controls.
• Cardiovascular parameters were analyzed using ANOVA and Pearson's correlation.

Main Results:

• A statistically significant increase in double product was observed throughout pregnancy (p=0.000).
• The duration of pregnancy was identified as a predictor of the double product.
• Increased heart rate and stroke volume contribute to the elevated double product.

Conclusions:

• Double product increases progressively during pregnancy due to physiological cardiovascular changes.
• It serves as a valuable predictor for early identification of preeclampsia and acute myocardial infarction in pregnant women.
• Early identification facilitates timely management of pregnancy-related cardiovascular complications.