Risk factors and long-term health implications of pregnancy-induced hypertension

Abstract

Objective: To assess the frequency of risk factors and long-term health implications among women with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) attending a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Liaquat National Hospital & Medical College, Karachi, over 6 months. A total of 137 women aged 25–40 years with a gestational age >28 weeks and PIH were enrolled through non-probability consecutive sampling. Demographic and clinical characteristics and predefined risk factors were recorded. Participants were reassessed 3 months after delivery for stroke, coronary artery disease, cardiac arrhythmias, and chronic kidney disease. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22. Results: Rural residence was the most frequent selected risk factor, reported in 42.3% of women, followed by primigravida status (38.7%) and family history of hypertension (35.8%). Age >35 years was present in 29.2%, while diabetes mellitus and twin pregnancy were reported in 18.2% and 8.0%, respectively. At 3 months after delivery, cardiac arrhythmias (10.2%) and chronic kidney disease (8.8%) were the most frequently identified health outcomes, followed by coronary artery disease (5.8%) and stroke (3.6%). Overall, 28.5% had at least one assessed complication. Conclusion: PIH was associated with several maternal risk factors and early post-delivery cardiovascular and renal health problems. Continued follow-up after pregnancy may help identify women requiring further cardiovascular and renal assessment.