Diagnosis and treatment of hypertension 21 years after a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.

Background: Women with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are known to be at increased risk of subsequent hypertension and cardiovascular disease.

Aims: In this study, we aimed to assess whether the long-term follow-up, diagnosis and treatment of hypertension in these women is adequate.

Methods: Prospective study of 2112 women who were part of a Birth Cohort Study - The Mater University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy, who received antenatal care at a major public hospital in Brisbane between 1981 and 1983 and were followed up at 21 years.

Results: Of the 191 women who had HDP, 62 (32.46%) were hypertensive (29 adequately treated, 33 inadequately identified or managed). Of the 1921 women without HDP, 280 (14.58%) were hypertensive (113 adequately treated, 167 inadequately identified or managed). Women with HDP were at higher risk of hypertension (OR 4.09, 95% CI 2.76, 6.07). Women with a history of HDP were more likely to have hypertension that was inadequately identified or managed (OR 3.56, 95% CI 2.06, 5.97).

Conclusion: Women with HDP are at increased risk of undiagnosed or undertreated hypertension. Attention needs to be given to appropriate follow-up of women who have a pregnancy complicated by hypertensive disorders.