Cardiac disease in pregnancy and hypertension
Cardiac disease in pregnancy Microchapters |
Diagnosis |
---|
Catheterization: |
Treatment |
Special Scenarios:
|
Cardiac disease in pregnancy and hypertension On the Web |
American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Cardiac disease in pregnancy and hypertension |
Directions to Hospitals Treating Cardiac disease in pregnancy |
Risk calculators and risk factors for Cardiac disease in pregnancy and hypertension |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor-In-Chief: Anjan K. Chakrabarti, M.D. [2] Stacie Zelman, M.D. [3]
Overview
Hypertension in pregnancy can be broadly classified as chronic hypertension, pregnancy-induced hypertension (or gestational hypertension), and pre-eclampsia/eclampsia. All of these conditions are the source of significant maternal morbidity and mortality.
Chronic Hypertension in Pregnancy
This condition is defined as hypertension (blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg systolic or ≥90 mm Hg diastolic) present before pregnancy or that is diagnosed before the 20th week of gestation. In general, antihypertensive medications are effective in treating this condition, in contrast to pre-eclampsia.[1]
Safe anti-hypertensive drugs that can be used during pregnancy include;
- Calcium channel blockers
- Lasix
- Beta-blockers
- Hydralazine
- Methyldopa
For a more broad discussion of chronic hypertension, click here.
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) (or gestational hypertension) is defined as the development of new arterial hypertension in a pregnant woman after 20 weeks gestation. There is no specific treatment, but is monitored closely to rapidly identify pre-eclampsia and its life-threatening complications (HELLP syndrome and eclampsia). Treatment options are limited, as many antihypertensives may negatively affect the fetus; methyldopa and labetalol are most commonly used for severe pregnancy hypertension.
Pre-Eclampsia/Eclampsia
References
- ↑ "Report of the National High Blood Pressure Education Program Working Group on High Blood Pressure in Pregnancy". Am J Obstet Gynecol. 183 (1): S1–S22. 2000. PMID 10920346.