Are reproductive factors indicators of pregnancy-induced hypertension: a cross-sectional analysis

Article ID: 4760

Abstract

Background: Reproductive factors are important contributors to cardiovascular diseases, but there is limited evidence regarding their relationship with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH).

Method: Pregnant patients who underwent physical examinations were enrolled. PIH was determined through medical records and reproductive factors, including age at menarche, menstrual irregularities, menstrual cycle, number of miscarriages or abortions, maternal age at first pregnancy, and history of oral contraceptive use, were collected through telephone follow-up. Statistical analysis included logistic regression and Spearman correlation analysis.

Results: Early menarche age may increase the risk of incidence PIH (Adjusted OR=0.071, (95% CI: 0.029-0.173), P < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of cesarean section deliveries (spearman r index =-0.177, P < 0.001) and shorter gestational weeks (spearman r index =0.222, P < 0.001). However, experiencing miscarriages or abortions, using oral contraceptives, and menstrual indices, after adjusting for cofounders, were not related to PIH.

Conclusion: The age at menarche is associated with pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) independently of genetics, age, and lifestyle factors, which emphasizes the potential importance of a woman's menstrual history in evaluating the risk of PIH.