Hypertension in pregnancy: Pathophysiology and treatment. (April 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Braunthal, Stephanie; Brateanu, Andrei
• Is Part Of: SAGE open medicine. Volume 7(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-04
• Subjects: Hypertension -- pregnancy -- gestational hypertension; Medicine -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1177/2050312119843700
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2050-3121

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, an umbrella term that includes preexisting and gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and eclampsia, complicate up to 10% of pregnancies and represent a significant cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. Despite the differences in guidelines, there appears to be consensus that severe hypertension and non-severe hypertension with evidence of end-organ damage need to be controlled; yet the ideal target ranges below 160/110 mmHg remain a source of debate. This review outlines the definition, pathophysiology, goals of therapy, and treatment agents used in hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.