Illustration of a pregnant woman with a glowing heart, symbolizing cardiac health and pregnancy.

Pregnancy and Hypertension: Understanding the Hidden Risks and Protecting Maternal Health

Avery Sinclair in Health & Wellness December 2025 • 5 min read.

"Unveiling the Link Between Cardiac Strain and Preeclampsia: A Guide for Expectant Mothers and Healthcare Providers."

Pregnancy is often described as a journey of joy, but for many women, it's also a time of heightened health concerns. Chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects a significant number of pregnancies, and it brings with it a range of potential complications. While the focus is often on managing blood pressure itself, new research is shedding light on the subtle, yet significant, impact of hypertension on the heart, and how this might influence pregnancy outcomes.

This article delves into a critical study that links early signs of cardiac strain in women with chronic hypertension to an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery. We'll explore the study's findings, break down the science behind it, and provide actionable insights for both expectant mothers and healthcare providers. Understanding these risks is the first step in protecting maternal health and ensuring the well-being of both mother and baby.

The research highlights the importance of proactive care and early detection. By understanding the subtle ways that hypertension can affect the body, women can work with their healthcare providers to develop personalized care plans. This approach is not just about managing a condition; it's about fostering a healthy pregnancy and a positive start for both mother and child.

Unmasking the Hidden Threat: Cardiac Strain and Its Impact on Pregnancy

Illustration of a pregnant woman with a glowing heart, symbolizing cardiac health and pregnancy.

The study, which involved women with chronic hypertension, revealed a critical connection between the heart and pregnancy complications. The research found that abnormal cardiac strain, an early sign of heart stress, could predict a higher risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery. This finding is significant because it underscores the need for more comprehensive cardiac evaluations during pregnancy, beyond standard blood pressure monitoring.

The researchers used advanced imaging techniques to measure the strain on the heart muscle. They discovered that even before any noticeable symptoms, the hearts of women with chronic hypertension showed signs of strain. This subtle change indicated that the heart was working harder than it should be. It's a sign that can appear weeks or even months before other more obvious pregnancy complications arise.

Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS): This measures the heart's ability to contract and relax.
Stroke Volume: This assesses the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat.
Ejection Fraction: This evaluates the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction.

The study also found a link between this cardiac strain and a higher incidence of preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a serious condition that can lead to high blood pressure and organ damage. The research underscores the importance of monitoring for these early warning signs to improve outcomes. Furthermore, it connects cardiac strain to an increased risk of preterm delivery, which can have significant consequences for newborns.

Empowering Women and Enhancing Maternal Care

The findings from this study provide critical information for healthcare providers and expectant mothers. By understanding the risks and utilizing advanced diagnostic tools, doctors can identify issues early on and develop more effective strategies. This proactive approach is not just about treatment; it’s about providing support, education, and personalized care that helps women experience healthier pregnancies. It also opens doors to further research and more effective ways to manage chronic hypertension during pregnancy, ultimately improving outcomes for both mothers and their babies. The future is one of enhanced care and a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between heart health and pregnancy.

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

This article is based on research published under:

DOI-LINK: 10.1016/j.preghy.2017.10.009, Alternate LINK

Title: Abnormal Mid-Trimester Cardiac Strain In Women With Chronic Hypertension Predates Superimposed Preeclampsia

Subject: Obstetrics and Gynecology

Journal: Pregnancy Hypertension

Publisher: Elsevier BV

Authors: Sajid Shahul, Hadi Ramadan, Ariel Mueller, Junaid Nizamuddin, Rabab Nasim, Joana Lopes Perdigao, Sireesha Chinthala, Avery Tung, Sarosh Rana

Published: 2017-10-01

Everything You Need To Know

What is chronic hypertension, and why is it a concern during pregnancy?

Chronic hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a condition that affects a significant number of pregnancies and can lead to various complications. While managing blood pressure is crucial, recent research highlights hypertension's subtle impact on the heart and its influence on pregnancy outcomes. Understanding and addressing these risks is vital for protecting both the mother's and the baby's health. Ignoring cardiac strain can lead to preeclampsia and preterm delivery.

What did the groundbreaking study reveal about cardiac strain in pregnant women with chronic hypertension?

The study found a critical connection between early signs of cardiac strain in women with chronic hypertension and an increased risk of preeclampsia and preterm delivery. Researchers using advanced imaging techniques discovered that abnormal cardiac strain, indicating heart stress, could predict these complications even before noticeable symptoms appear. This underscores the need for comprehensive cardiac evaluations beyond standard blood pressure monitoring.

What specific cardiac measurements were used in the study to assess heart function, and what do these measurements indicate?

The study utilized several key cardiac measurements: Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), which measures the heart's ability to contract and relax; Stroke Volume, assessing the amount of blood the heart pumps with each beat; and Ejection Fraction, evaluating the percentage of blood pumped out of the left ventricle with each contraction. Abnormalities in these metrics indicate that the heart is working harder than it should, potentially leading to pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and preterm delivery.

How can healthcare providers use the study's findings to enhance maternal care for women with chronic hypertension?

Healthcare providers can use the study's findings to proactively identify and address potential cardiac issues in pregnant women with chronic hypertension. By utilizing advanced diagnostic tools to detect early signs of cardiac strain, they can develop personalized care plans that include support, education, and targeted interventions. This approach aims to foster healthier pregnancies and improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies, reducing the risks associated with preeclampsia and preterm delivery. This goes beyond managing blood pressure.

What are the long-term implications of understanding the link between cardiac strain, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery in pregnancies complicated by chronic hypertension?

Understanding the link between cardiac strain, preeclampsia, and preterm delivery opens doors to further research and more effective ways to manage chronic hypertension during pregnancy. It emphasizes the importance of early detection and intervention, leading to enhanced maternal care and improved outcomes for both mothers and babies. Future research can explore more targeted therapies and preventive measures, potentially reducing the incidence of pregnancy complications and fostering a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between heart health and pregnancy. This comprehensive approach can lead to healthier pregnancies and better long-term health for both mother and child.