A 26-year-old woman had severe pre-eclampsia requiring delivery at 33 weeks two years ago. She now presents for preconception counselling. Which long-term cardiovascular risk is she at significantly increased risk of compared to a woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy?

• A Rheumatic mitral stenosis
• B Dilated cardiomyopathy with reduced ejection fraction
• C Atrial septal defect with Eisenmenger syndrome
• D Chronic hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke ✓

Explanation

A history of pre-eclampsia, especially early-onset or recurrent, is an independent risk factor for future chronic hypertension, ischemic heart disease, and stroke. The relative risk of cardiovascular disease is approximately doubled after pre-eclampsia. This is now recognized as a sex-specific cardiovascular risk factor by AHA guidelines. The other options are unrelated congenital or valvular conditions not linked to pre-eclampsia history.

Reference: Williams Obstetrics, 26th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.