Vascular risk in women with a history of severe preeclampsia

Abstract

BACKGROUND. To assess markers of vascular dysfunction and risk in postpartum women with a history of severe preeclampsia.

Methods: Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and brachial artery flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) measured by ultrasonography, and lipid profile and insulin resistance evaluated by biochemical assays were compared between 34 women with a history of severe preeclampsia and 42 women with a prior normal pregnancy at least 12-24 months postpartum.

Results: CIMT was higher and FMD lower in the preeclamptic than in the control group. We found a significant inverse correlation between CIMT and FMD in the preeclamptic group, but no difference in lipid profiles and insulin resistance between the groups.

Conclusions: Women with a history of severe preeclampsia exhibit early structural and functional preatherosclerotic vascular impairment, which might explain their higher risk of future cardiovascular disease.