OP 8 Arterial calcifications and arterial stiffness in women after preeclampsia

Abstract

Question Preeclampsia is associated with long-term chronic hypertension and accelerated development of atherosclerosis, which may lead to premature arterial calcifications and arterial stiffness. However, the degree and distribution of these subclinical signs of atherosclerosis in women with a history of preeclampsia has not been previously addressed. In this study, we prospectively evaluate arterial calcifications by low-dose computed tomography (CT) and arterial stiffness by pulse wave velocity (PWV) in asymptomatic women with a history of preeclampsia. Methods Women with a history of preeclampsia ( N = 153) who participated in a prospective multicenter evaluation of cardiovascular health at age 45–55 years were screened for subclinical arterial disease using low-dose CT and pulse wave velocity (PWV) analysis. Coronary artery calcium score (CACS), thoracic aortic calcium score (TACS) excluding the aortic arch, and valvular calcium score (VCS) were assessed on a non-contrast cardiac CT scan and carotid siphon calcium score (CSCS) on a non-contrast carotid siphon scan. PWV was assessed as a measure of arterial stiffness (TensioMed Arteriograph). Correlations between vascular calcifications and the relationship between vascular calcifications and CVD risk factors were assessed. Results Study participants had a mean age at inclusion of 49.0 years (SD 3.9 years). Of these, 54.6% had hypertension and 35.3% fulfilled criteria for metabolic syndrome. Vascular calcifications were seen in 110 women (71.9%) on low-dose CT: 49 (32.0%) had CACS >0; 22 (14.9%) had TACS >0; 5 (3.3%) had VCS >0 and 95 (69.9%) had CSCS >0. CACS was strongly correlated with TACS ( R = 0.98, p 0 and hypertension (OR 2.50, 95%CI 1.22–5.13). The presence of calcifications (CACS >0) was not related to other cardiovascular risk factors including obesity, smoking, hyperlipidemia and increased PWV. Conclusions Coronary and vascular calcifications in general are common in women with a history of preeclampsia at age 45–55 years. Only CACS >0 appears to be associated with chronic hypertension, but not with increased arterial stiffness or other cardiovascular risk factors.