Preeclampsia a serious hypertensive disorder of pregnancy. It is characterized by high blood pressure and organ damage. Preeclampsia affects 5-8% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality worldwide. Click on the link to learn more about preeclampsia.
The pathogenesis of preeclampsia involves events early in pregnancy that lead to abnormal placenta development and failed spiral artery remodeling. Click on the link to learn about the pathogenesis of preeclampsia.
It is increasingly recognized that preeclampsia is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular disease in later life. Click on the link to learn more about preeclampsia and the future risk of cardiovascular disease.
Aspirin (acetylsalicyclic acid, ASA) is a common medication that reduces inflammation, fever and pain. In 1979, a study showed that women taking aspirin during pregnancy were less likely to develop preeclampsia compared to women not taking aspirin (Lancet, 1979). Click on the link to learn more about aspirin and its potential role in the development of preeclampsia.
Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body with roles in muscle contraction, bone formation and cell signaling. Interest in calcium supplementation for the prevention of preeclampsia comes from observational studies showing increased rates of preeclampsia in countries with low calcium intake. Click on the link to learn more about calcium and preeclampsia.
Chocolate contains threobromine and flavanols that are known to promote cardiovascular health. As preeclampsia is characterized by cardiovascular dysfunction, could chocolate be used to prevent preeclampsia? Click on the link to learn more about some key findings.
Heparin is a naturally occurring and therapeutic anti-coagulant (blood thinner). Heparin has both anti-inflammatory and anti-coagulatory actions and may be able to combat the inflammation and coagulation that occurs in preeclampsia. Click on the link to learn about some of the key findings regarding heparin and preeclampsia.
Metformin is a oral medication used to control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes. Metformin is known to prevent endothelial dysfunction and decrease the production of reactive oxygen species, two processes that have been associated with the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. Because of this, metformin may be a potential therapy to prevent preeclampsia. Click on the link to learn more about the key findings regarding metformin and preeclampsia.
Vitamin C has been explored as a potential treatment option for preeclampsia due to its ability to reduce oxidative stress and vascular endothelial damage, both of which are linked to the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. Click on the link to learn more about the key findings regarding Vitamin C and preeclampsia.