Preeclampsia as risk factor for future cardiovascular disease: Etiopathogenesis and implications for clinical practice

Preeclampsia is a gestational disorder that associates arterial hypertension and organic disfunction and can have adverse consequence to both mother and fetus in the short term. The main factor implicated in its pathogenesis is an anormal placentation leading to endothelial dysfunction, as well as to the dysregulation of physiological pathways. Last evidence suggests that preeclampsia can also lead to long-terms outcomes, such an increase incidence of chronic disease, renal dysfunction and increased cardiovascular risk. This paper reviews the long-term cardiovascular consequences, their pathogenesis and the implications for clinical practice.