Abstract
Pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH) complicates 6-10% of pregnancies. It is defined as
systolic blood pressure (SBP ) >140 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (DBP ) >90 mmHg. It is
classified as mild (SBP 140-149 and DBP 90-99 mmHg), moderate (SBP 150-159 and DBP 100-
109 mmHg) and severe (SBP ≥160 and DBP ≥110 mmHg). PIH refers to one of four conditions:
a) pre-existing hypertension, b) gestational hypertension and preeclampsia (PE ), c) pre-existing
hypertension plus superimposed gestational hypertension with proteinuria and d) unclassifiable
hypertension. PIH is a major cause of maternal, fetal and newborn morbidity and mortality.
Women with PIH are at a greater risk of abruptio placentae, cerebrovascular events, organ
failure and disseminated intravascular coagulation. Fetuses of these mothers are at greater risk
of intrauterine growth retardation, prematurity and intrauterine death. Ambulatory blood
pressure monitoring over a period of 24 h seems to have a role in predicting deterioration
from gestational hypertension to PE . Antiplatelet drugs have moderate benefits when used for
prevention of PE . Treatment of PIH depends on blood pressure levels, gestational age, presence
of symptoms and associated risk factors. Non-drug management is recommended when
SBP ranges between 140-149 mmHg or DBP between 90-99 mmHg. Blood pressure thresholds
for drug management in pregnancy vary between different health organizations. According
to 2013 ESH /ESC guidelines, antihypertensive treatment is recommended in pregnancy when
blood pressure levels are ≥150/95 mmHg. Initiation of antihypertensive treatment at values
≥140/90 mmHg is recommended in women with a) gestational hypertension, with or without
proteinuria, b) pre-existing hypertension with the superimposition of gestational hypertension
or c) hypertension with asymptomatic organ damage or symptoms at any time during pregnancy.
Methyldopa is the drug of choice in pregnancy. Atenolol and metoprolol appear to be
safe and effective in late pregnancy, while labetalol has an efficacy comparable to methyldopa.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin II antagonists are contraindicated
in pregnancy due to their association with increased risk of fetopathy.