HIGHER PREVALENCE OF LATE-ONSET HYPERTENSION IN WOMEN WITH AN EXPERIENCE OF HYPERTENSIVE DISEASES OF PREGNANCY

초록

Background: It is debatable whether or not women who experience hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (gestational hypertension and preeclampsia) are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease and other adverse events later in life. Methods: We surveyed 3,895 female nurses who had at least one delivery,through web-based, self-administered questionnaires which include follow-up between pregnancy and survey (0 to 50 years). Current cardiovascular health status including body mass index, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, ischemic heart disease and stroke, and history of pregnancy and pregnancy-related complications were ascertained. Results: Among 3,895 subjects, 218 (5.6%, group A) women had experienced hypertensive diseases of pregnancy and 3,735 (94.4%, group B) women had not. Higher prevalence of hypertension (12.4% vs. 5.1%, p < 0.001) and average body mass index(BMI, 22.5 kg/m2 vs. 21.9 kg/m2, p < 0.001)were observed in group A compared with group B. History of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio 2.836, 95% confidence interval 1.639 to 4.906, p < 0.001), age, obesity (BMI ≥25 kg/m2), and family history of hypertension were significant independent risk factors in late-onset hypertension after statistical adjustment for known risk factors for hypertension and obstetrical history. Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that experience of hypertensive diseases of pregnancy might be a risk factor of a late onset of hypertension. Greater awareness of this association could lead to earlier diagnoses and improved management of hypertension and may help to reduce the proportion of morbidity andmortality caused by hypertension.