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Hypertension in pregnancy: hemodynamics and diurnal arterial pressure profile.
- Source :
-
International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics [Int J Gynaecol Obstet] 1994 Dec; Vol. 47 (3), pp. 233-9. - Publication Year :
- 1994
-
Abstract
- Objective: To characterize the 24-h arterial pressure (AP) profile and the left ventricular (LV) structures and functions in women with pregnancy-associated hypertension.<br />Methods: Twenty nulliparous pregnant women after 20 weeks' gestation, 10 normotensive and 10 hypertensive women matched for gestational age, were hemodynamically investigated using 24-h AP monitoring and Doppler echocardiography to determine LV structures and functions, both systolic and diastolic.<br />Results: The hypertensive women had significantly higher AP determinations throughout the 24 h, with no change in diurnal variation, i.e. nocturnal decline and early morning peaks. Their LV mass was greater and it was accompanied by a slight reduction in contractility and a significant reduction in LV relaxation. The increased AP was due to peripheral vasoconstriction, while cardiac output was preserved.<br />Conclusions: It appears that pregnancy-associated hypertension is caused mainly by arterial vasoconstriction and not by higher cardiac output. The hypertension increases the LV mass, which is associated with a fall in LV relaxation.
- Subjects :
- Adult
Blood Pressure Monitoring, Ambulatory
Echocardiography, Doppler
Female
Humans
Hypertension etiology
Pregnancy
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular etiology
Vasoconstriction
Ventricular Function, Left
Blood Pressure
Circadian Rhythm
Hypertension physiopathology
Pregnancy Complications, Cardiovascular physiopathology
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 0020-7292
- Volume :
- 47
- Issue :
- 3
- Database :
- MEDLINE
- Journal :
- International journal of gynaecology and obstetrics: the official organ of the International Federation of Gynaecology and Obstetrics
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- 7705528
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1016/0020-7292(94)90567-3