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Updated: Aug 12, 2026

Non-invasive Assessment of Microvascular and Endothelial Function
Published on: January 29, 2013
[Microcirculation and hypertension in pregnancy]
1Zentrum für Frauenheilkunde, Essen.
The hypervolaemic and vasodilated circulation in normal pregnancy results in a high flow- low blood viscosity situation. In contrast, patients with gestational hypertension may have a contracted plasma volume. Hypovolaemia is reflected in a higher haematocrit than normal. In the cases of a hypovolaemic state, hemoconcentration is associated with a low cardiac output. In fetal distress and proteinuric hypertension the rheological data has a high predictive value for perinatal complications.
The hypervolaemic and vasodilated circulation in normal pregnancy results in a high flow- low blood viscosity situation. In contrast, patients with gestational hypertension may have a contracted plasma volume. Hypovolaemia is reflected in a higher haematocrit than normal. In the cases of a hypovolaemic state, hemoconcentration is associated with a low cardiac output. In fetal distress and proteinuric hypertension the rheological data has a high predictive value for perinatal complications.
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