Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Variability and the Impact on Pregnancy Outcomes: A Systematic Review.

Background: Long-term (visit-to-visit) blood pressure variability (BPV) and heart rate variability (HRV) outside pregnancy are associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Given the limitations of relying solely on blood pressure level to identify pregnancies at risk, long-term (visit-to-visit) BPV or HRV may provide additional diagnostic/prognostic counsel. To address this, we conducted a systematic review to examine the association between long-term BPV and HRV in pregnancy and adverse maternal and perinatal outcomes.

Blood pressure measurement and adverse pregnancy outcomes: A cohort study testing blood pressure variability and alternatives to 140/90 mmHg.

Objective: To examine the association with adverse pregnancy outcomes of: (1) American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association blood pressure (BP) thresholds, and (2) visit-to-visit BP variability (BPV), adjusted for BP level.

Design: An observational study.

Setting: Analysis of data from the population-based UK Southampton Women's Survey (SWS).