Longer Wait, Higher Risk? How Timing of Hypertensive Disorder Diagnosis Shapes Women’s Cardiovascular Future

Highlights

This prospective cohort study of 142 first-time mothers with preterm hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) demonstrates that extended latency between HDP diagnosis and delivery—while not affecting overall cardiovascular health scores—may predispose women to adverse subclinical markers of cardiovascular disease. Specifically, women with longer latency showed elevated high-sensitivity C-reactive protein levels and altered non-HDL cholesterol profiles 2 to 7 years postpartum. These findings suggest that the timing of expectant management in preterm HDP carries implications for long-term cardiovascular risk stratification, even in the absence of overt disease.

Background: The Lasting Legacy of Pregnancy Complications