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Rutgers Health researchers have uncovered a significant correlation between hypertensive disorders during pregnancy and fatal cardiovascular diseases within the first year postpartum. The study, published in Paediatric and Perinatal Epidemiology, sheds light on the alarming implications of these conditions for maternal health.
The research, led by Rachel Lee, a data analyst at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, analyzed data from the Nationwide Readmissions Database spanning from 2010 to 2018. Among the hypertensive disorders scrutinized were chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia without severe features, preeclampsia with severe features, superimposed preeclampsia, and eclampsia. The findings revealed a striking association between these disorders and fatal cardiovascular diseases, with all but gestational hypertension showing a doubled risk compared to women with normal blood pressure.
Eclampsia, characterized by seizures resulting from hypertensive disorders, presented the most alarming statistics, with a nearly 58-fold increase in fatal cardiovascular disease risk.
“This study underscores the urgent need for heightened vigilance and tailored postpartum care for women with hypertensive disorders during pregnancy,” remarked Lee. “More than half of cardiovascular disease-related deaths in this demographic are preventable, and our findings offer critical insights for healthcare providers to develop effective strategies.”
The research identified a concerning trend in the prevalence of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, with the incidence rising steadily over the study period. In 2010, 9.4 percent of patients exhibited these disorders, escalating to 14.4 percent by 2018. Cande Ananth, chief of the Division of Epidemiology and Biostatistics at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School and senior author of the study, emphasized the urgent need for improved management strategies.
“While advancements in the diagnosis and treatment of preeclampsia have contributed to reduced mortality rates associated with this condition, the surge in chronic hypertension cases presents a formidable challenge,” explained Ananth. “Optimal treatment approaches for pregnant individuals with mild hypertension remain uncertain, highlighting the critical need for further research and guideline development.”
The study underscores the importance of timely identification and treatment of hypertensive disorders during pregnancy, particularly for individuals with pre-existing hypertension. Delays in diagnosis can lead to preventable complications, emphasizing the necessity for comprehensive and specialized care throughout the perinatal period.
The researchers advocate for the development of postpartum care guidelines tailored to each hypertensive disorder, aimed at mitigating the risk of fatal cardiovascular events in the maternal population. By prioritizing early intervention and ongoing monitoring, healthcare providers can significantly enhance maternal outcomes and reduce the incidence of cardiovascular-related mortality among pregnant individuals.
