High blood pressure can go undetected in pre-eclampsia new mothers

A new study suggests that high blood pressure can remain undetected in mothers with severe pre-eclampsia and that they should have their blood pressure regularly checked for a year after giving birth.

The study, conducted in the Netherlands, found that of 200 women, 17.5 percent had masked hypertension.  It also found that if only readings from clinics were used, 56 percent of the women with high blood pressure would have been missed.

40 percent of the women studied also had an insufficient drop in blood pressure from day to night.  Night-time hypertension, which affected 42.5 percent of the women, increases the risk of stroke, heart attack and death.

Laura Benschop, study author and researcher in obstetrics and gynaecology at Erasmus Medical Centre, Rotterdam, said “Our findings suggest women who have high blood pressure during pregnancy should continue to monitor their blood pressure long after they’ve delivered their babies.  It’s not only important to monitor blood pressure in the doctor’s office, but also at different times of the day and night, at home.

“We’ve shown here that high blood pressure comes in many forms after pregnancy.  Women who know their numbers can take the proper steps to lower their blood pressure and avoid the health consequences of high blood pressure later in life.”

Charity Blood Pressure UK’s Katharine Jenner, said the results from the study were “shocking” because it was well known that pre-eclampsia patients are more likely to have high blood pressure after pregnancy.

“So the fact that over half of cases are being missed just a year after giving birth is quite shocking, as we know GPs are looking out for it.

“The results of this small study should encourage all women who have had pre-eclampsia to help out their GP by using a blood pressure monitor at home and trying to gauge a true reflection of their blood pressure.”

The British Heart Foundation’s Christopher Allen, said “Although guidance is already in place, it’s possible that the way we screen for high blood pressure in these women could be improved.

“Anyone who has been diagnosed with pre-eclampsia during their pregnancy should be followed up by their GP to keep an eye on their blood pressure.”

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Posted by Karen Motley, Paralegal, Clinical Negligence Department, Chadwick Lawrence LLP (karenmotley@chadlaw.co.uk), medical negligence lawyers and clinical negligence solicitors in Huddersfield, Leeds, Wakefield and Halifax, West Yorkshire.

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