[Prevention of gestational hypertension with calcium, linoleic acid, mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements]

Abstract

Background: The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of calcium, linoleic acid and mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acids in the prevention of gestational hypertension.

Methods: Between January 1999 and June 2000, 65 primagravidas with a risk of gestational hypertension between the 20th and 24th week of pregnancy were recruited using Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries and Holter 24-h pressure monitoring. Patients with diabetes, hypertensive gestosis and previous renal pathologies were excluded. The patients were divided into 2 unequal groups: Group A (40 patients) was treated with calcium, linoleic acid, and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements; Group B (25 patients) received no treatment. The patients in both groups underwent Doppler velocimetry of the uterine arteries and Holter pressure monitoring at 28-30-32-35 weeks of gestation.

Results: Calcium linoleic acid and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements were effective in significantly reducing the incidence of gestational hypertension (p>0.05); in fact 90% of patients in Group A underwent a physiological evolution of pregnancy compared to only 10% affected by gestational hypertension. In the control group the incidence of this pathology was much higher (32%).

Conclusions: The authors conclude that calcium linoleic acid and mono and polyunsaturated fatty acid supplements are useful and effective in the prevention of gestational hypertension in women at risk for this pathology.