Hypertension in Pregnancy: Diagnosis, Blood Pressure Goals, and Pharmacotherapy

Published: December 15, 2021

Pregnant woman touching her belly and measuring her blood pressure in the kitchen.
  • Among high-income countries, the United States has one of the highest hypertensive-related maternal mortality and increased maternal morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular conditions and cerebrovascular accidents (stroke).
  • Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) include chronic hypertension, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia/eclampsia and preeclampsia in chronic hypertension.
  • There are major guideline differences for the levels at which hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) should be treated. More research in this area is needed.