Prediction of pregnancy-induced hypertension by isometric exercise

The purpose of this study is to evaluate an isometric exercise (Hand-Grip test) as a method to predict pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH). One hundred and twenty-five pregnant women were given the Hand-Grip (HG) test before the 15th gestational week. The Hand-Grip test was rated positive when the systolic blood pressure increased 15 mmHg or more during isometric exercise or decreased 14 mmHg or more immediately after isometric exercise. As a result, the Hand-Grip test had the highest sensitivity (81.8%) and specificity (68.4%) for predicting PIH, compared to other risk factors. The positive predictive value was 20% (second highest among risk factors, the actual incidence of hypertension was 8.8%), and the negative predictive value was 97.5% (highest). In conclusion, by use of a very simple Hand-Grip test early in gestation, we are able to predict PIH with the highest sensitivity.