Prospective Case-Control Study of Cardiovascular Changes in Pregnancy Related Hypertensive Disorders

Prospective Case-Control Study of Cardiovascular Changes in Pregnancy Related Hypertensive Disorders

This is a research study to understand the changes in the heart and the cardiovascular system that may occur in women who develop high blood pressure during pregnancy.

Upon Enrollment in this study, participants will go through two scans along with some blood test and other assessments. The first scan is a sonogram of the heart called an echocardiogram, and another scan is done using the investigational ARTSENS device that will be used to measure stiffness of the walls in the arterial blood vessel for indications of inflammation damage. ARTSENS device is not approved for use in the United States. It is expected that we will enroll 50 people in this study. The entire study is expected to last 2 years. Participation will be for approximately 9 months.

Case Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult females age > 18 years
2. Must be able to read and understand English and consent for themselves
3. Must have a singleton pregnancy and a diagnosis of preeclampsia or gestational hypertension
4. Must be willing and able to come to West Penn Hospital for post-partum visits at 6-8 weeks and then at 6-7 months.

Case Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history of hypertension
2. Multiple pregnancies
3. Other comorbidities such as congenital heart disease, dialysis dependent renal failure, heroin abuse, cocaine abuse, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, autoimmune conditions such as SLE or severe lung disease.
4. Subjects who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures.

Control Inclusion Criteria:

1. Adult females age > 18 years
2. Must be able to read and understand English and consent for themselves
3. Must have a singleton pregnancy and not have a prior or current diagnosis of hypertension
4. Must be willing and able to come to West Penn Hospital for post-partum visits at 6-8 weeks.

Control Exclusion Criteria:

1. Prior history and/or current diagnosis of hypertension
2. Multiple pregnancies
3. Other comorbidities such as congenital heart disease, dialysis dependent renal failure, heroin abuse, cocaine abuse, pulmonary hypertension, congestive heart failure, autoimmune conditions such as SLE or severe lung disease.
4. Subjects who, in the opinion of the Investigator, may be non-compliant with study schedules or procedures.