Pre-eclampsia and risk of subsequent hypertension: in an American Indian population.

Background And Objectives: Pre-eclampsia (PE) shares a number of proposed pathophysiologic mechanisms related to those implicated in cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as endothelial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, and impaired renal regulation. PE has also been associated with subsequent hypertension, CVD, and related mortality in later life.

Methods: At follow-up, the four most recent blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and use of hypertensive medications were recorded from clinic visits of 130 PE cases and 289 normal pregnancies.