Cardiometabolic indices following pregnancy complications: Impact of sex-independent and pregnancy specific risk factors
PhD candidate: Kristina Klepp, M.D.
Supervisors: Professor I Anne Cathrine Staff, Professor II Meryam Sugulle, M.D. PhD. Kjartan Moe
Background
Cardiovascular disease is the most common cause of death for women globally, and the disease group responsible for most years of lost life. Women with a previous hypertensive pregnancy disorder, including preeclampsia or gestational hypertension, have a 2-8 fold increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease. Preeclampsia affects 3-4% of all pregnancies, and gestational hypertension affects 4-5% of all pregnancies. Altogether, these hypertensive disorders of pregnancy constitute a large proportion of all pregnancies. Cardiovascular disease and hypertensive pregnancy disorders share common risk factors, including higher age, obesity, dyslipidemia, physical inactivity, insulin resistance, malnutrition and psychosocial factors, many of which are modifiable. Despite strong epidemiological associations between previous hypertensive pregnancy disorders and postpartum cardiovascular disease, existing risk assessment tools are not applicable for young women after pregnancy complications, and good tools for individual risk evaluation are lacking. Identification of women with the highest cardiovascular disease risk after hypertensive pregnancy complications is important for targeted disease prevention and is an important research field covered by this project.
About the project
Prevention of cardiovascular disease is likely most efficient when started at a young age, which makes the postpartum period a good opportunity for optimizing long-term maternal health. This study investigates risk markers for cardiovascular disease after hypertensive pregnancy complications. Through investigation of a population of approximately 400 women examined 1 and/or 3 years after pregnancy, we assess the effect of sex-independent and pregnancy specific risk factors. Women with previous hypertensive pregnancy disorders are compared to women with previous uncomplicated pregnancies. Women who attended the project provided information regarding their previous pregnancies and general health, and underwent thorough examination including blood samples, body mass composition measurements, blood pressure measurements and echocardiographic measurements of the hearts structure and function.
Goal
This research project aims to describe the impact of modifiable risk factors as well as pregnancy dependent risk factors on cardiovascular health 1-3 years following delivery, comparing hypertensive pregnancy complications to uncomplicated pregnancies. The project focuses on body mass composition indices, circulating lipids and cardiovascular structure and function 1-3 years after pregnancy. The evaluation of modifiable risk factors after delivery may contribute to improved individualized follow-up after hypertensive pregnancy complications for the prevention of premature cardiovascular disease and death in an otherwise young and apparently healthy population group.