Second Trimester Trough Followed by a Steady Increase of Pulse Pressure Amplification and Arterial Stiffness in Low-Risk, Uncomplicated Pregnancies

Abstract

Arterial stiffness, a composite indicator of vascular health, is an independent predictor of cardiovascular disease and events. Pulse pressure amplification (PPA) is a physiological marker of the pressure amplification from central to brachial arteries. Central pulse pressure (PP) is lower than brachial PP in young, healthy individuals, and a low PPA ratio is a risk factor for the development of CV diseases. We assessed the effect of low-risk, uncomplicated pregnancies on vessel hemodynamics and arterial stiffness.