Cardiovascular health of women 10 to 20 years after placenta-related pregnancy diseases considering the possible effect of pentaerythrityl tetranitrate treatment during pregnancy on long-term maternal cardiovascular health (PAVA study)

Women developing preeclampsia (PE) or fetal growth restriction (FGR) during pregnancy are at higher risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVD) later in life. We aimed to analyse cardiovascular health of women 10-20 years after affected pregnancies in comparison to women after uneventful pregnancies. In addition, we assessed a potential long-term effect of the NO-donor pentaerythrityl tetranitrate (PETN). Women 10-20 years after severe PE, including women receiving PETN during pregnancy and matched controls were recruited and assessed for baseline clinical data and cardiovascular function by transthoracic echocardiography, VICORDER and USCOM. SPSS was used for statistical analysis. 53 participants after PE/FGR (13 with former PETN intake) and 51 controls were recruited for follow-up at an average of 14 years after index pregnancies. Compared to controls, women after PE/FGR had a significantly higher incidence of arterial hypertension (13.7% vs. 41.5%, p