Evaluation of three simple physiologic tests as predictors of pregnancy-induced hypertension. A pilot study.

Abstract

In order to try to find a method for predicting pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), the roll-over test, isometric handgrip test and cold pressor test were performed on 40 healthy pregnant women in their 29th to 31st week of pregnancy. All these three tests proved positive (rise in diastolic pressure of at least 20 mmHg) in more than 50% of the subjects. None of the women in the study developed PIH (blood pressure 140/90 or more on at least two consecutive occasions). These results indicate that none of these simple physiologic tests is of use as a predictor of PIH.