Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy

Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are common and represent a spectrum of disease ranging from chronic and gestational hypertension to eclampsia. They are associated with increased risk of both adverse maternal and fetal outcomes. Drug treatment is generally reserved for moderate or severe hypertension. Pre-eclampsia-eclampsia can be life-threatening and requires urgent investigation and intervention. There are limited data about the safety of many hypertensive drugs in pregnancy. ACE inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers should be avoided. Women who have had any hypertensive disorder in pregnancy have an increased cardiovascular risk. They require long-term follow-up.