Abstract Introduction Preterm pre-eclampsia is associated with increased risk of later cardiovascular disease. This study examines cardiometabolic health 3-6 years post-preterm pre-eclampsia and explores whether early postnatal cardiovascular phenotypes relate to later cardiovascular morbidity. Methods PICk-UP trial participants who experienced preterm pre-eclampsia underwent assessments including anthropometry, blood pressure (BP), arteriography, echocardiography, biomarkers and cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging 3-6 years postpartum. The primary outcome was hypertension prevalence, with secondary outcomes including cardiac fibrosis, remodelling, and function, obesity, and lipid abnormalities. Associations between baseline, pregnancy and postnatal characteristics with the primary and secondary outcomes were explored. Results Forty-five women were included; 37 underwent echocardiography and 20 had CMR. At 3-6 years, 53% had hypertension, 32% developed de novo hypertension, 30% had adverse left ventricular (LV) remodelling, 49% had diastolic dysfunction, and 27% were obese. Myocardial fibrosis was detected in 35% of CMR participants. No cardiovascular measures changed from 6 months postpartum to 3-6 years. Women who developed hypertension demonstrated higher BP and LV mass index, from 6 weeks postpartum, with distinct postnatal BP trajectories. Women with myocardial fibrosis exhibited higher sFlt and CRP concentrations from 6 weeks postpartum, with sFlt correlating with native T1 at 3-6 years. Discussion Women with prior preterm pre-eclampsia show significant cardiometabolic morbidity 3-6 years postpartum. Early postnatal phenotypes indicate long-term cardiovascular risk. Persistent anti-angiogenic imbalance and inflammation may contribute to myocardial fibrosis. Early BP, weight, and biomarker measurement may help identify at-risk women, warranting further studies on optimising postnatal care to mitigate cardiovascular risk after preterm pre-eclampsia.

Cardiac disease during pregnancy is one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in both the UK and the USA. Labour, delivery, and the initial postpartum phase are characterised by significant haemodynamic alterations that play a significant role in the clinical deterioration observed in women with heart disease. Heart failure, arrhythmia, and myocardial ischaemia can occur in women with high-risk cardiac lesions during labour. The cardio-obstetric multidisciplinary team, after risk stratification, should establish an individualised cardiac care plan that incorporates patients' preferences. This care plan should address the location, mode, timing of delivery, monitoring, analgesia, and anaesthetic options for operative intervention, uterotonics that may be administered, emergency contact numbers for relevant personnel along with appropriate postpartum care. High-risk patients need to be delivered in tertiary units. Clear haemodynamic objectives should be established along with a postpartum contraception plan with information cascaded to community midwifery teams and primary care providers to ensure surveillance and continuity of care. Co-ordinated multidisciplinary care can enhance preparedness for obstetric and cardiac emergencies, thereby decreasing morbidity and mortality associated with heart disease in pregnancy during childbirth.

OBJECTIVE:To explore the relationship between blood pressure (BP) variability and perinatal outcomes. STUDY DESIGN:This was a retrospective study of 996 pregnant women with hypertension/risk factors for hypertension in pregnancy. BP variability was calculated by visit-to-visit standard deviation (SD) and mean difference (MD). Logistic regression explored the relationship between BP variability and perinatal outcome, adjusting for confounders. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:Correlation between BP variability and i) fetal growth restriction (FGR) and ii) preterm birth (PTB). RESULTS:FGR and PTB complicated 128/996 (13 %) and 233/996 (23 %) pregnancies. At visit 1, 61 (6 %) women were taking labetalol, 125 (13 %) were taking calcium channel blockers and 780 (78 %) were not taking antihypertensives. Increased BP variability was associated with FGR and PTB. These relationships persisted after adjustment for number of antihypertensives, pre-pregnancy BP, BMI, ethnicity and previous FGR for systolic but not diastolic BP variability (adjusted OR for FGR: 1.16 [95 % C.I. 1.03-1.30]; PTB: 1.16 [1.05-1.29]). However, statistical significance was lost after adjustment for maximum BP. Nifedipine was associated with increased BP variability, compared with labetalol, despite adjustment for ethnicity and pre-existing hypertension (adjusted difference: 1.93 mmHg [0.13-3.73], p = 0.04). CONCLUSIONS:Increased visit-to-visit systolic but not diastolic BP variability is associated with adverse perinatal outcomes. Nevertheless, it is unclear whether BP lability directly influences perinatal outcome, or merely reflects peak BP. The difference in BP variability between antihypertensives may reflect varying effectiveness or factors influencing antihypertensive choice. Prospective research is needed to investigate any potential link between antihypertensive medications, BP variability and perinatal outcome.

We aim to determine the pregnancy and cardiovascular outcomes of subsequent pregnancies following a previous diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy. Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to November 2023. Primary research studies of any design providing data for any of our outcomes of interest with greater than five subsequent pregnancies were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes included relapse of cardiac failure in the first subsequent pregnancy and death during any subsequent pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included a range of maternal and fetal outcomes. Proportional meta-analysis, applying a random effects model, was performed using R software. Twenty-nine studies involving 779 women were included, performed across 13 countries. The risk of relapse of cardiac failure in the first subsequent pregnancy (20 studies, 376 women) was 32%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23–0.43. In those with recovered (11 studies, 123 pregnancies) and non-recovered (10 studies, 55 pregnancies) cardiac function at subsequent pregnancy outset, the risk of cardiac failure relapse was 24%, 95% CI 0.16–0.35 and 36%, 95% CI 0.24–0.50, respectively. There was a high chance of preterm birth <37 weeks (12 studies, 212 pregnancies) at 22%, 95% CI 0.17–0.29. Subsequent pregnancy after peripartum cardiomyopathy presents significant maternal and fetal risks. This study provides quantification of risks to begin to fill the current evidence gap, however is limited by the paucity of existing primary research investigating this population. Robust observational studies of current practice are needed to provide answers in specific populations.

INTRODUCTION:We aim to determine the pregnancy and cardiovascular outcomes of subsequent pregnancies following a previous diagnosis of peripartum cardiomyopathy. MATERIAL AND METHODS:Medline, Embase, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from inception to November 2023. Primary research studies of any design providing data for any of our outcomes of interest with greater than five subsequent pregnancies were eligible for inclusion. Primary outcomes included relapse of cardiac failure in the first subsequent pregnancy and death during any subsequent pregnancy. Secondary outcomes included a range of maternal and fetal outcomes. Proportional meta-analysis, applying a random effects model, was performed using R software. RESULTS:Twenty-nine studies involving 779 women were included, performed across 13 countries. The risk of relapse of cardiac failure in the first subsequent pregnancy (20 studies, 376 women) was 32%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-0.43. In those with recovered (11 studies, 123 pregnancies) and non-recovered (10 studies, 55 pregnancies) cardiac function at subsequent pregnancy outset, the risk of cardiac failure relapse was 24%, 95% CI 0.16-0.35 and 36%, 95% CI 0.24-0.50, respectively. There was a high chance of preterm birth <37 weeks (12 studies, 212 pregnancies) at 22%, 95% CI 0.17-0.29. CONCLUSIONS:Subsequent pregnancy after peripartum cardiomyopathy presents significant maternal and fetal risks. This study provides quantification of risks to begin to fill the current evidence gap, however is limited by the paucity of existing primary research investigating this population. Robust observational studies of current practice are needed to provide answers in specific populations.

Objective To explore UK-based clinicians’ knowledge of long-term cardiovascular disease (CVD) risks after pre-eclampsia and capture current risk management practice. Study design A voluntary online survey was designed to explore clinicians’ perception and management of CVD risks after pre-eclampsia. Distribution occurred May-July 2022 via social media and email. The survey assessed awareness of pre-eclampsia’s association with future CVD, knowledge of published guidelines on CVD risk management after pre-eclampsia, and current practice of risk-reduction counselling. Results were analysed descriptively. Main outcome measure Clinician knowledge of postpartum cardiovascular risk and management following pre-eclampsia. Results Of 240 respondents, 72 were midwives, 46 obstetricians, 8 cardiologists, and 114 general practitioners (GPs). Most clinicians knew that pre-eclampsia increases the risk of chronic hypertension (89 %) and stroke (75 %). Awareness was worse for heart failure (47 %) and peripheral vascular disease (55 %). Obstetricians provide CVD risk-reduction counselling to women with pre-eclampsia most frequently: 43 % always counsel and 27 % often counsel. Most other clinicians never counsel patients (midwives: 76 %, cardiologists: 75 %, GPs: 62 %). Most clinicians (84 %) were not aware of CVD risk management guidance after pre-eclampsia and 75 % of cardiologists and GPs never consider pre-eclampsia when assessing cardiovascular risk. Almost all clinicians (91 %) wished for greater education on the topic. Conclusions This study presents the first assessment of cardiovascular risk awareness after pre-eclampsia amongst UK-based clinicians. Although most knew pre-eclampsia increases CVD risk, patient counselling was limited. Targeted educational initiatives are needed to improve the knowledge-to-practice gap and reduce CVD prevalence after pre-eclampsia.

BACKGROUND:Pregnancy acts as a cardiovascular stress test. Although many complications resolve following birth, women with hypertensive disorder of pregnancy have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) long-term. Monitoring postnatal health can reduce this risk but requires better methods to identity high-risk women for timely interventions. METHODS:Employing a qualitative descriptive study design, focus groups and/or interviews were conducted, separately engaging public contributors and clinical professionals. Diverse participants were recruited through social media convenience sampling. Semi-structured, facilitator-led discussions explored perspectives of current postnatal assessment and attitudes towards linking patient electronic healthcare data to develop digital tools for identifying postpartum women at risk of CVD. Participant perspectives were gathered using post-it notes or a facilitator scribe and analysed thematically. RESULTS:From 27 public and seven clinical contributors, five themes regarding postnatal check expectations versus reality were developed, including 'limited resources', 'low maternal health priority', 'lack of knowledge', 'ineffective systems' and 'new mum syndrome'. Despite some concerns, all supported data linkage to identify women postnatally, targeting intervention to those at greater risk of CVD. Participants outlined potential benefits of digitalisation and risk prediction, highlighting design and communication needs for diverse communities. CONCLUSIONS:Current health system constraints in England contribute to suboptimal postnatal care. Integrating data linkage and improving education on data and digital tools for maternal healthcare shows promise for enhanced monitoring and improved future health. Recognised for streamlining processes and risk prediction, digital tools may enable more person-centred care plans, addressing the gaps in current postnatal care practice.

Pre-eclampsia is associated with postnatal cardiac dysfunction; however, the nature of this relationship remains uncertain. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 55%) and explore the relationship between pregnancy outcome and pre-pregnancy cardiac phenotype. In this cohort of 282 pregnancies, pre-eclampsia prevalence was not significantly increased (4.6% [95% C.I 2.2–7.0%] vs. population prevalence of 4.6% [95% C.I. 2.7–8.2], p = 0.99); 12/13 women had concurrent obstetric/medical risk factors for pre-eclampsia. The prevalence of preterm pre-eclampsia (< 37 weeks) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) was increased (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.03; 15.2% vs. 5.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). Neither systolic nor diastolic function correlated with pregnancy outcome. Antenatal ß blockers (n = 116) were associated with lower birthweight Z score (adjusted difference − 0.31 [95% C.I. − 0.61 to − 0.01], p = 0.04). To conclude, this study demonstrated a modest increase in preterm pre-eclampsia and significant increase in FGR in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction. Our results do not necessarily support a causal relationship between cardiac dysfunction and pre-eclampsia, especially given the population’s background risk status. The mechanism underpinning the relationship between cardiac dysfunction and FGR merits further research but could be influenced by concomitant ß blocker use.

Oral supplementation with L-citrulline, which is sequentially converted to L-arginine then nitric oxide, improves vascular biomarkers and reduces blood pressure in non-pregnant, hypertensive human cohorts and pregnant mice with a pre-eclampsia-like syndrome. This early-phase randomised feasibility trial assessed the acceptability of L-citrulline supplementation to pregnant women with chronic hypertension and its effects on maternal BP and other vascular outcomes. Pregnant women with chronic hypertension were randomised at 12–16 weeks to receive 3-g L-citrulline twice daily (n = 24) or placebo (n = 12) for 8 weeks. Pregnant women reported high acceptability of oral L-citrulline. Treatment increased maternal plasma levels of citrulline, arginine and the arginine:asymmetric dimethylarginine ratio, particularly in women reporting good compliance. L-citrulline had no effect on diastolic BP (L-citrulline: − 1.82 95

BACKGROUND:The efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation to lower blood pressure (BP) in pregnant women is highly variable. We aimed to investigate whether differences in oral microbiota profiles and oral nitrate-reducing capacity may explain interindividual differences in BP lowering following nitrate supplementation.METHODS:Participants recruited for this study were both pregnant and nonpregnant women, with or without hypertension (n=55). Following an overnight fast, plasma, saliva, and tongue scraping samples were collected for measurement of nitrate/nitrite concentrations, oral NaR (nitrate reductase) activity, and microbiota profiling using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Baseline BP was measured, followed by the administration of a single dose of dietary nitrate (400 mg nitrate in 70 mL beetroot juice). Post-nitrate intervention, plasma and salivary nitrate/nitrite concentrations and BP were determined 2.5 hours later.RESULTS:Women with hypertension had significantly lower salivary nitrite concentrations (P=0.006) and reduced abundance of the nitrate-reducing taxa Veillonella(P=0.007) compared with normotensive women. Oral NaR activity was not significantly different in pregnant versus nonpregnant women (P=0.991) but tended to be lower in hypertensive compared with normotensive women (P=0.099). Oral NaR activity was associated with both baseline diastolic BP (P=0.050) and change in diastolic BP following acute nitrate intake (P=0.01, adjusted for baseline BP).CONCLUSIONS:The abundance and activity of oral nitrate-reducing bacteria impact both baseline BP as well as the ability of dietary nitrate supplementation to lower BP. Strategies to increase oral nitrate-reducing capacity could lower BP and enhance the efficacy of dietary nitrate supplementation, in pregnancy as well as in nonpregnant adults.REGISTRATION:URL: https://www.CLINICALTRIALS:gov; Unique identifier: NCT03930693.