Abstract

Evidence is accumulating that hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and, specifically, preeclampsia produce longterm effects on the pregnant woman, as well as lasting consequences for the fetus.

At the root of these consequences is the phenomenon coined defective deep placentation, characterized by profound placental vascular lesions. These in turn induce long-term adverse consequences for the pregnant woman’s entire arterial system. Vascular pathology in pregnancy and cardiovascular diseases may share a common etiology and may have common risk factors.

Placental growth restriction and function can also cause a decreased blood supply to the fetus, with long-lasting effects as part of the theory of a fetal origin of a number of adult diseases.

Keywords: Placental vascular bed pathology; Preeclampsia; Pregnancy hypertensive disease; Cardiovascular risk