Evaluating Cardiovascular Changes in Hypertension in Obstetrics
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Pathophysiological studies related to cardiac structure and vascular function in women with hypertension in pregnancy
IRAS ID
98888
Contact name
Ramesh Ganapathy
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Sandwell and West Birmingham Hospitals NHS Trust
Research summary
It is known that there are abnormalities in maternal cardiac function in pregnancy complications like preeclampsia and pregnancy-induced raised blood pressure. Preeclampsia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in pregnant mothers worldwide. Although there is no cure, other than delivery, the raised blood pressure (hypertension) that it causes can be stabilised with medication with varying results.\n\nIt may be possible to detect abnormalities in maternal heart function prior to onset of the above mentioned complications. There is a lack of data defining ranges of normality (ethnicity-specific) and longitudinal changes in normal cardiac function in pregnancy. Current advances in echocardiography parameters have also not been assessed in pregnancy. The aim of the study is to define normal ranges and see trends in changes in patients with complications. Our varied and high risk pregnant population at City Hospital offers an unique opportunity to study these parameters. In areas with a diverse ethnic population there is a risk of underlying heart diseases and the effect of preeclampsia on cardiac function in these cases is not well defined. In advanced maternal age the association of diabetes and hypertension can complicate preeclampsia and there is a need for cardiac evaluation in these cases. Markers of cardiac dysfunction present in the blood will also be investigated.\n\nAlthough the adverse effect of hypertension in pregnancy on cardiac function on long term health of the women is known; the effect of controlling blood pressure on maternal cardiac function is not known. If this data is known the response of the pregnant woman’s heart to these medication can be used to predict outcome of the pregnancy and have implications for mother and baby. \n
REC name
West Midlands - South Birmingham Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/WM/0410
Date of REC Opinion
1 Nov 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion