How does preeclampsia predispose to future cardiovascular disease?

Abstract

Over the last few decades, there has been increasing emphasis on cardiovascular disease in women and study of female-specific cardiovascular risk factors. Hypertension in pregnancy, and specifically preeclampsia, has been identified as one such risk factor. In this review, we explore the epidemiological evidence for preeclampsia as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. We propose reasons for this association, giving evidence for potential pathways linking preeclampsia with future cardiovascular disease.