How to navigate hypertensive disorders during, after pregnancy

Medscape Medical News reported recently that having a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy has been associated with a variety of complications postpartum, including heart failure, stroke, chronic kidney disease and diabetes.

Roughly 6% of all maternal deaths in the United States are due to a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, according to a presentation at the American College of Physicians Internal Medicine Meeting 2025.

Research has shown that the odds of a cardiovascular complication postpartum are highest in women who had more severe hypertension during pregnancy.

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy are associated with a higher risk for cardiovascular diseases, including chronic kidney disease, in later life, said Silvi Shah, MD, associate professor in the Department of Internal Medicine at the University of Cincinnati's Collegeof Medicine and UC Health nephrologist.

Given the high potential for cardiovascular death, it is important for physicians to counsel, educate and monitor patients with cardiovascular risk factors or with a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, she said.

Greater education of physicians and patients on the importance of monitoring and follow-ups and the need for timely referrals if evidence suggests chronic kidney disease or cardiovascular disease can help reduce the risk for future complications after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, said Shah.

“More research is needed to identify interventions and medications that may lead to reduction in risk of cardiovascular disease in later life following preeclampsia,” Shah added.

Read about managing hypertension during pregnancy.

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