Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 13, 2025
05:31
Author Spotlight: Modeling an Aspect of Preeclampsia in Female Mice Using Hypoxic Human Placenta-Derived Small Extracellular Vesicles
Published on: January 26, 2024
891
Hypertension in Pregnancy: What We Now Know
Sonali Gupta1, Lohana Petras2, Muhammad Umer Tufail2
1Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, Montefiore Medical Center at Albert Einstein College of Medicine.
Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension
|January 23, 2023
Summary
Hypertensive disorders in pregnancy affect 10% of worldwide pregnancies. New research highlights l-kynurenine
Area of Science:
- Obstetrics and Gynecology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine
Background:
- Hypertensive disorders complicate 10% of pregnancies globally, posing risks to mother and fetus.
- These conditions contribute to significant immediate and long-term maternal cardiovascular morbidity.
- Understanding the pathogenesis and optimal treatment goals for hypertensive disorders in pregnancy is crucial.
Approach:
- Reviewing updated information on preeclampsia pathogenesis.
- Analyzing treatment thresholds for hypertension in pregnancy.
- Summarizing latest evidence on managing hypertensive disorders in pregnancy.
Key Points:
- Decreased levels of l-kynurenine, an l-tryptophan metabolite, are implicated in preeclampsia.
- The Control of HTN in Pregnancy Study (CHIPS) and Chronic HTN and Pregnancy (CHAPS) trials provide new insights.
- Lowering blood pressure in pregnancy to specific diastolic goals (CHIPS: 85 mmHg; CHAP: <160/105 mmHg) is safe for the fetus.
- The CHAPS trial indicated a reduced incidence of preeclampsia with treatment.
Conclusions:
- Updated knowledge on preeclampsia pathogenesis and hypertension management is essential for improved maternal and fetal care.
- Evidence supports specific blood pressure targets in managing hypertension during pregnancy.
- Further research into the role of metabolites like l-kynurenine may offer new therapeutic avenues.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Hypertension I: Introduction
37
Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
37
01:18Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure
2.2K
Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.2K
01:23Hypertension V: Nursing Management
27
The nursing management of hypertension involves accurately assessing symptoms, making a comprehensive nursing diagnosis, collaborating with patients to set goals, and implementing targeted interventions to mitigate the condition's impact and improve patient well-being.Comprehensive AssessmentThe initial step in nursing care for hypertension involves a thorough patient assessment. It includes evaluating symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and previous hypertension episodes.
27
01:30Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
36
Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
36
01:29Hypertension II: Pathophysiology
31
Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
31
01:33Hormonal Regulation
33.5K
The renin-aldosterone system is an endocrine system which guides the renal absorption of water and electrolytes, thus managing blood pressure and osmoregulation. Activation of the system begins in the kidneys with a small cluster of cells adjacent to the afferent and efferent blood vessels of the renal corpuscle. As the nephrons are filtering blood, juxtaglomerular cells monitor blood pressure. If they detect a decrease in pressure, they release the hormone renin into the bloodstream.
33.5K